Union Pacific Ho Big Blow Turbine by Overland Models With Real Sounds

Описание: Units 1 to 30 were delivered to Union Pacific from 1958 to 1961. These units were very different from the previous generations, consisting of two permanently coupled six-axle units, giving a C-C+C-C wheel arrangement. The locomotive weighed 900,000 lb (410,000 kg), not counting the tender, and had a maximum starting tractive effort of 240,000 lbf (1,100 kN). The first unit contained the cab, auxiliary diesel engine, and other control equipment. The diesel engine produced 850 hp (630 kW), and a new, larger turbine produced 8,500 hp (6.3 MW). The second unit contained the turbine and electric generators. Together, the locomotive looked like an A-B set, which was reinforced by the numbers assigned to the units. The two halves of no. 19, for instance, would be numbered 19 and 19B. These turbines eventually displaced units 51 to 75 from service. There had also been problems with fuel filters clogging on the earlier turbines, so it was decided to filter the fuel before filling up the locomotive fuel tanks and the tender. Union Pacific once calculated one of their third-generation turbines could pull 734 freight cars (a train over 7 mi (11 km) long) at a steady 12 mph (19 km/h). The Big Blows often hauled trains weighing over 13,200 short tons (12,000 t) between Council Bluffs, Iowa and Ogden, Utah. Unlike the earlier turbines, the 8500 hp turbines were designed from the outset to use 24,000 US gallons (91,000 l) fuel tenders, in addition to the 2,500 US gallons (9,500 l) of diesel fuel in the locomotive fuel tank.[7]

Rumors persist that the Big Blow turbines were upgraded to 10,000 hp (7.5 MW). This may stem from the fact at 1,500 ft (460 m) elevation, that the turbine was capable of producing 10,700 hp (8.0 MW), however the electrical equipment was not rated to handle it. Also, the turbines in revenue service always operated above this altitude.[8] Even so, the turbine design used in these units is still the most powerful prime mover ever installed in a North American locomotive.