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RE: [Ausloco] ATN Ls & WAGR Ls
Grahame wrote re the W.A. 'L':
It was the first to have a tubocharged EMD engine in Australia, the 645E3.
It was also the first to have a main alternator, the AR-10.
Back in July 1965, on page 10, Railway Transportation (R.T.) carried two interesting items:
a) ALCO were introducing their first alternators on the new 3,000hp Century 630 model: Local A.E. Goodwin Transportation Sales Manager, Mr. E.C. Whiteley, was also quoted as saying that "alternating current power generation was not economic at present for low and medium powered locomotives. It's main advantages came to the fore when it could be applied to motive power in the higher output ranges such as the 3,000hp 630 model. However, this equipment would be available in Australia to purchasers of Goodwin-Alco locomotives, according to their specifications." I wonder if he would still hold that view today?
b) Concurrently, ALCO shipped their first DL628 (2,750hp) for Hamersley Iron which, until the 'L', was the most powerful diesel in Australia - it was fitted with a DC generator.
In December 1965 issue, R.T. reported that the Commonwealth Railways may become the first Australian Government system to operate high(er) power diesels (>2,000hp) "in a power range not previously thought suitable for this country".
C.R. were releasing tenders for traditional 1,800hp locos but with a clause that openned the door for higher powered options. Then Commissioner, Keith Smith, said that they were intent on eliminating double-heading of its existing GM class and wanted one loco to do the work of two. Despite the optomistic outlook, C.R. waited until late 1968 to go for the big power, by which time, W.A.'s L251 had around twelve months service under its belt.
Melanie Dennis
Australian Steam Group
meld.asg@netspeed.com.au
-----Original Message-----
From: Grahame John Ferguson [SMTP:grahamef@mail.seymour.net.au]
Sent: Friday, 16 June, 2000 11:20 PM
To: Ausloco@egroups.com
Subject: [Ausloco] ATN Ls & WAGR Ls
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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