E8 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
The first E8, #952, was used by EMD as a demonstrator to show off the revisions and design of the new locomotive. Photo credit Electro-Motive Division
The EMD E8 locomotive was the successor to the EMD E7 in the E-unit series (A series of 6 axle, streamlined passenger locomotives). The E8 had the 2nd largest run in the E-series, with 496 (450 cab-equipped A units and 46 cabless B units) locomotives being made between August 1949 and January 1954. While all of these locomotives were built for passenger service, some railroads used them for express freight and mail trains. After Amtrak was formed, Erie Lackawanna regeared some of their E8s for freight service. Railroads that owned older E-units (models such as E1, E3, or E6) often had them rebuilt into what EMD classified as the E8m. These rebuilt units are almost identical to production E8s, but retain the original horsepower rating because of the reused generators.
The E8 was surpassed by the E9 series in 1954
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | 2x EMD 12-567B |
| Horsepower | 2,250 |
| Truck Type | EMD "Blomberg" A1A |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight | 316,500 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 320,000 lbs ⚠ |
| Model Base Speed | 85 MPH |
| Top Speed | 85, 92, 98, or 117 |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 3000 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1500 Amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 825 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Automatic with Selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 1, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 1, 0.75 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers @ 37.5% |
| DB Max Current | 1500 Amps |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 600 Amps |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 2 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24-RL |
| Compressor CFM | 178 (Gardner Denver WXE @ 800 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 42.9 Cubic Feet |
Notes:
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess