Photo By
Bernard Ente
The Enduring FL9
by Otto
Vondrak
FL9's AT A GLANCE
| Builder |
Electro-Motive Division |
| Dates |
1956-1959 |
| Series |
NYNH&H 2000-2059 |
| H.P. |
1,800 horsepower |
| Weight |
282,000 lbs. |
|
METRO-NORTH'S FL9 LOCOMOTIVES have been operating for
five decades! They were built by
General Motors for the New Haven Railroad between 1957 and 1960 and can operate on either
diesel or third rail power. They are unique with a two axle truck in the front and three
in the back. They have four electric traction motors. The middle rear axle is not powered;
it was added to distribute weight. The engines weigh 282,000lbs and have 1,800 horsepower.
They provide 56,940 lbs. of tractive effort. Steam generators that once provided heat have
been replaced with diesel generators that feed 480 volts to the train for lighting, heat
and AC. |
... Seven
Metro-North FL9s (2040-2046) were updated with AC traction motors and a turbo-charged
diesel plant that delivered 3,000 horsepower. Some of that power was used to supply 480
volts to the train for lighting and heat/ac. These units also have a feature called
"regenerative dynamic braking." When the brakes were applied on the engine, the
traction motors became generators. The power that was created was directed to a main source
and used for lighting/AC. Excess power is routed to resistor grids where it becomes heat
and is vented to the atmosphere by fans. All of the FL9-ACs have been
retired and cut up for scrap.
... In
1995, Metro-North took delivery of five Genesis -II locomotives, built by General Electric in Erie, PA.
Since 1995, Metro-North added thirteen more Genesis units. A final order
of 13 more Genesis engines in 2001 hastened the retirement of the FL9s from long-haul
service. They are still used on rare occasions for shuttle trains on the Waterbury
and Danbury Branches and on the Upper Harlem Line and in work train
service. The Genesis II locomotive,
or P32AC-DM, has a twelve cylinder, four cycle diesel engine (the FL-9 has a two
cycle diesel) that generates 3,200 horsepower. It is much different than the FL9, with
computer displays, cruise control, and air conditioning in the cab. They have supplanted
the FL9 as the primary passenger locomotive for Metro-North and Amtrak Empire Service
trains.
Unlike the FL9s, the Genesis units have provided reliable electric operation through
Grand Central Terminal and the Park Avenue tunnel. The Metro-North units have enhanced
electric capability that permits them to run in electric mode for an extended period of
time. |
For More Information
Magazines:
TRAINS "Metro-North: Gotham Giant".March 1996
TRAINS "The Unsinkable FL9" March 1993
TRAINS "The FL9 - 27 Years Later".September 1983
RAILFAN "The Story of the FL9s" December 1977
RAILFAN "Exploring Metro-North" June 1994
Jason R. DeCesare has a big
photo page devoted to Metro-North, Amtrak, and LIRR FL9s.
FL9 Drawing ©1998 by Stan Lytle
John Scala's Weekend Chief
Publishing (P.O. Box 1676, Mineola, New York, 11501) is selling the most
complete, current, and exciting book on FL9's- DIESELS TO PARK
AVENUE by Joseph R. Snopeck and Robert A. LaMay
| Home |
Please mail your comments to:
Last updated
November 10, 2010
-
|
