Re: Melburne to Darvin revisited

David Bromage (dbromage@metz.une.edu.au)
15 Aug 1997 05:03:11 GMT

Geoff Lambert (G.Lambert@unsw.edu.au) wrote:
>dbromage@metz.une.edu.au (David Bromage) wrote:
>
>>Tibor Weitzen (wtzn@ozemail.com.au) wrote:
>>>2.3 The high noise emission of the turbo requires elaborated insulation
>>>for the crew cab, if you do not care about noise pollution for roos or
>>>dingos in midst of outback, have mercy to folks around terminus
>>>stations, where the loco should pick up the heavy trains.
>
>>Bear in mind Union Pacific's experimental 8000hp gas turbine which was so
>>loud it could shatter nearby windows.
>
>I think this one was pulverised-coal-fired, though whether that would
>have an effect on noise.....?

Union Pacific had a total of 55 gas turbine locomotives. The first, No.
50, was an Alco-GE built in 1948, and although it carried UP colours it
was always under the ownership of the builder. Nos 51-60 were built by GE
in 1952 and 61-75 in 1954, rated at 4500hp. Nos. 1-30 were delivered
between 1958 and 1961 and were rated at 8500hp. The last unit was
withdrawn in 1970. No. 18 is on display at the Illinois Railway Museum and
26 is at Ogden Union Station in Utah.

>From the official UPRR Web site (http://www.uprr.com/), 'The turbine fleet
pulled freight trains between Council Bluffs, IA and Ogden, UT. Although
tested on the Salt Lake City to Los Angeles run, their tremendous noise
quickly made them unpopular in California. The locomotives were nicknamed
"Big Blows" for their deafening jet engine exhaust noise.'

Union Pacific also experimented with a steam turbine in 1939 and a
coal-fired turbine in 1962. Neither locomotive was successful.

Cheers
David