EMD BL20-2
Encyclopedia
The EMD BL20-2 is a diesel-electric locomotive
that was introduced in order for EMD to gain entry to the rebuild market for the second time.
Nearly a decade after production of the GP15-1
ceased, EMD revived the BL series
in an attempt to crack the rebuild market and compete with GE
's Super 7
series.
All three BL20-2 demonstrators, road numbers 120-122, were built on the 56 foot, 2 inch frames of ex-Burlington Northern GP9
s of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Northern Pacific and Spokane, Portland & Seattle heritage. All three demonstrators were outshopped from La Grange
in mid-1992. They bore no resemblance to the pre-GP series EMD BL1 and BL2
models of the late 1940s. Neither did they resemble GP9s, at least not from the frame up. On the inside, the unit married the technology of two generations, with a rebuilt 16-567
engine (turbocharged to boost the output from 1750 to 2000 horsepower) mated to an AR10 alternator and Dash 2 electrical system. Although the GP9 frame, trucks, traction motors, fans, and prime mover
were rebuilt and reused, the locomotive received an all-new cab and carbody, basically that of a standard second-generation GP. Still, the unit had an unmistakable appearance, due to the absence of inertial air intakes behind the engineer's side of the cab, and the use of a squared-off dynamic brake assembly similar to that of a GP60
.
Competing in one of the toughest fields in the locomotive business, the three BL20-2s demonstrated for two years, but won no orders. They were redeployed to EMD's lease fleet in 1994, and have worked for several shortline
railroads since then.
Locomotive
A locomotive is a railway vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. The word originates from the Latin loco – "from a place", ablative of locus, "place" + Medieval Latin motivus, "causing motion", and is a shortened form of the term locomotive engine, first used in the early 19th...
that was introduced in order for EMD to gain entry to the rebuild market for the second time.
Nearly a decade after production of the GP15-1
EMD GP15-1
The EMD GP15-1 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between June, 1976 and March, 1982. Intended to provide an alternative to the rebuilding programs that many railroads were applying to their early road switchers, it is generally employed as a yard switcher...
ceased, EMD revived the BL series
EMD BL2
The EMD BL2 is a four-axle B-B road switcher built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division . Often considered the "Ugly Duckling" of diesel offerings from EMD, the BL2 set the stage for the company's widely successful GP series of locomotives....
in an attempt to crack the rebuild market and compete with GE
GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation, formerly known as GE Rail, is a division of General Electric. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling and energy generation industries. It is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Locomotives are assembled at the Erie plant, while engine...
's Super 7
Super 7
Super 7 may refer to:* Lotto Super 7, a former Canadian lottery game * Lotus Seven, a kit car produced by Lotus* Super 7, a design store in Japantown, San Francisco...
series.
All three BL20-2 demonstrators, road numbers 120-122, were built on the 56 foot, 2 inch frames of ex-Burlington Northern GP9
EMD GP9
An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including...
s of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Northern Pacific and Spokane, Portland & Seattle heritage. All three demonstrators were outshopped from La Grange
La Grange, Illinois
La Grange, a suburb of Chicago, is a village in Cook County, in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 15,608 at the 2000 census.-History:...
in mid-1992. They bore no resemblance to the pre-GP series EMD BL1 and BL2
EMD BL2
The EMD BL2 is a four-axle B-B road switcher built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division . Often considered the "Ugly Duckling" of diesel offerings from EMD, the BL2 set the stage for the company's widely successful GP series of locomotives....
models of the late 1940s. Neither did they resemble GP9s, at least not from the frame up. On the inside, the unit married the technology of two generations, with a rebuilt 16-567
EMD 567
The EMD 567 is a line of diesel engines built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division. This engine, which succeeded Winton's 201-A, was used in EMD's locomotives from 1938 until its replacement in 1966 by the EMD 645. It has a bore of , a stroke of and a displacement of 567 in³ per cylinder...
engine (turbocharged to boost the output from 1750 to 2000 horsepower) mated to an AR10 alternator and Dash 2 electrical system. Although the GP9 frame, trucks, traction motors, fans, and prime mover
Prime mover (locomotive)
In engineering, a prime mover is an engine that converts fuel to useful work. In locomotives, the prime mover is thus the source of power for its propulsion. The term is generally used when discussing any locomotive powered by an internal combustion engine...
were rebuilt and reused, the locomotive received an all-new cab and carbody, basically that of a standard second-generation GP. Still, the unit had an unmistakable appearance, due to the absence of inertial air intakes behind the engineer's side of the cab, and the use of a squared-off dynamic brake assembly similar to that of a GP60
EMD GP60
An EMD GP60 is a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between 1985 and 1994. The GP60 was EMD's first diesel that was classified as a third-generation locomotive...
.
Competing in one of the toughest fields in the locomotive business, the three BL20-2s demonstrated for two years, but won no orders. They were redeployed to EMD's lease fleet in 1994, and have worked for several shortline
ShortLine
Short Line is a brand name for three different Coach USA companies, Hudson Transit Lines, Hudson Transit Corporation, and Chenango Valley Bus Lines that provide local, commuter and intercity bus service in lower New York State, primarily along the Route 17 and Southern Tier corridor.-Service...
railroads since then.
External links
- BL20-2 Photographs Railroad Picture Archives