EMD GL8 explained

EMD GL8
Powertype:	Diesel-electric
Builder:	GM-EMD La Grange, Illinois, USA
Buildmodel:	GL8
Builddate:	June 1960 - July 1965
Totalproduction:	B-B version: 96 A1A-A1A version: 53
Aarwheels:	B-B or A1A-A1A
Gauge:
Driverdiameter:	400NaN0
Length:	36feet
Height:	12feet High clearance cab or 12feet Low clearance cab
Width:	8feet
Primemover:	GM 8-567CR
Enginetype:	V8 2-stroke diesel
Aspiration:	Roots blower
Cylindercount:	8
Poweroutput:	875hp
Maxspeed:	124km/h 77.05 mph
Locobrakes:	Straight air
Trainbrakes:	Air or Vacuum schedule 26-LA or 27-LA
Disposition:	Many scrapped, some preserved, others still operating

The EMD GL8 was an export diesel-electric locomotive introduced by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in 1960.^[1] They have been designed as light locomotives with a low axle loading. Measuring 36 feet 2 inches over the end sills, they are equipped an EMD 8-567CR engine producing 875hp for traction, driving four traction motors in either A1A-A1A or B-B flexicoil trucks. The EMD GA8 is a derivative designed for very light lines with extremely sharp curves using frame mounted traction motors and freight car trucks.

Several countries have purchased GL8 locomotives.^[2]

Original owners

A1A-A1A version

• 12 Taiwan,
  • 12 Taiwan Railway Administration S201–S212 (S201-S207 are the first production GL8 locomotives, which have the locomotive bell mounted on the top of the engine compartment, a feature unique to these locomotives)
• 41 East Pakistan, (now Bangladesh)
  • 41 East Bengal Railways 2201–2241 ^[3] Still operational with Bangladesh Railway.

B-B version

• 69 Brazil, :
  • 8 Rede Mineira de Viação 2851–2858
  • 23 Companhia Mogiana de Estradas de Ferro 51–73
  • 5 Estrada de Ferro Noroeste do Brasil 1001–1005
  • 18 Rede de Viação Paraná-Santa Catarina 1401–1418
  • 15 Estrada de Ferro Sorocabana 3601–3615
• 15 Republic of Ireland,
  • 15 Córas Iompair Éireann 121 Class B121–B135
• 12 Tunisia, and / or
  • 12 Société Nationale de Chemins de Fer Tunisiens 040DF351–040DF362

C-C version

• 12 Australia,
  • 12 Queensland Railways 1700 class 1700-1711 (Built by Clyde Engineering)

See also

• List of GM-EMD locomotives

External links

• The Unofficial EMD Homepage GL8 orders page

Notes and References

1. Staff Of Trains Magazine (1971). Our GM Scrapbook, p.72. Kalmbach Publishing Company
2. Web site: Export GL8 Order Numbers . www.trainweb.org . 2004-02-21 . 2018-11-02 . en.
3. Web site: Bangladeshi Locomotives (Metregauge and Broad gauge) . Iftekhar Omeer Talha . November 2010 . 2018-11-02 . en.