GMD GMDH-1

GMD GMDH-1
Locomotive #6031 ofRFFSAis a GMDH-1.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-hydraulic Builder General Motors Diesel Serial number A1597, A1713, A1811, A1812 Model GMDH1 Build date 1956~1959 Total produced 4
Specifications Configuration: ​ •AAR B-B •UIC B′B′ Loco weight First 2: 52 short tons (46 long tons; 47 t) Second 2: 74 short tons (66 long tons; 67 t) Prime mover First 2: 2 ×Detroit Diesel 6-110 Second 2: 2 ×Detroit Diesel Series 71 Transmission Hydraulic
Performance figures Power output First 2: 600 hp (450 kW) Second 2: 800 hp (600 kW)

TheGMD GMDH-1was an experimentaldiesel-hydraulic,center-cab,switchinglocomotivebuilt byGeneral Motors DieselofCanada.Four examples were built.The first two locomotives were each fitted with a pair of 6-cylinderDetroit Dieselseries 110engines giving 600 horsepower (450 kW), while the second pair had twoseries 71engines developing 800 hp (600 kW).

The first constructed, in December 1956, was serial #A1597, numbered GMDD 1001. It became the GMDLondon, Ontarioplant switcher in April 1958, and was retired in November 1975. The locomotive was given to theCanadian Railway Historical Associationin July 1977, and passed into the collection of theCanada Science and Technology Museumin November 1986 after being restored byAl HowlettofLondon,Ontario.

The second locomotive, serial #A1713, was completed in September 1958, and was first numbered GMDD 600 as a demonstrator. It was later sold toBrazil,where it wasRFFSA600 and laterRio Grande do Sul6031. The unit is reported as having been subsequently scrapped.

The third and fourth locomotives, #A1811 and #A1812, were constructed in September and October 1959 respectively; they were initially given GMDD 800 and 801. Both were sold to industry. #A1811 passed through a succession of owners. It was first sold toElectric Reduction Company(ERCO) in May 1961 as their #89; ERC sold it to S.G. Paikin through Malcolm Black Equipment Ltd, equipment dealers, in October 1972, who in turn sold it to Limestone Products in October 1973 as their #3-6902. It was sold once more toMalcolm Black Equipment Ltdin September 1979, who resold it in February 1980 toRaritan River Steelof (Perth Amboy,New Jersey) as their #3. It didn't last there, returning to Canada again through Malcolm Black Equipment Ltd and being rebuilt byPeacock Bros.ofEdmontonbefore passing in January 1981 toHudson Bay Oil & GasinKaybob,Albertaas their #3. Hudson Oil & Gas becameDome Petroleumand thenAmocoCanada Petroleum, for whom the locomotive remains (as of 2006) operable.

#A1812, meanwhile, was purchased by contracting firmGuy F. Atkinson Companyas their #28151. It was re-gauged to5 ft 6 in(1,676 mm) gauge and shipped toPakistanfor the building of theMangla Dam,where it still resides.

See also

• List of GMD Locomotives