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By John Erickson

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This engine was sent to Portland for use as a cab car on the Downeaster in 2006, but when it was put on the train it suffered a frozen wheel bearing because they are set up for 65 mph and the train runs at 79 mph. The traction motor bearings and armature still spin when the engine moves so we found that the engines speed limits must still be adhered to even if it is not giving power.

Amtrak Engine 526 from John Erickson

Engine Details
Number Marks Current Disposition Eng. Serial No. Eng. Built Former Road Nos.
526 AMTK Active A2131 11/1966 ex-CN 606, ex-GOT 9806, 506
Eng. Type: Engine Maker: Trucks: Horsepower: Weight: Engine:
GP38H-3 EMD HTB 4-Wheel 2000 264,000 lbs 645E 16 cylinder
Bore & Stroke: Fuel Capacity: Truck Wheel Base: Tractive Effort (starting): Gear Ratio: Speed:
9.08" X 10" 1800 9'-00" 61,000 lbs @25% 61:16 65 mph


This engine data is primarily from the builders data on the side of the locomotives with inclusions from The Diesel Shop, Wikipedia and others.