RSD 15 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
Image Copyright Kevin Cavanaugh
The RSD-15 was the 251 powered replacement for the RSD-7, being more of an upgrade to the model rather than a replacement with the only major difference being the engine. These locomotives were catalogued alongside the RSD-12, which was an 1800 V12 version of this model.
Initial orders for this locomotive came in August of 1955 from the Pennsylvania Railroad. This order is unique in itself, as this is the only order of high short hood (nose) locomotives that this model saw; all others were built with low noses from the factory. In total, orders were made by the PRR/Pennsylvania Railroad (6), ATSF/Santa Fe (50), Southern Pacific (3), Cotton Belt/SSW (10), and DMIR/Duluth Missabe and Iron Range (6) for a total of 75 units.
Gradually throughout the late 70s to the early 80s, units were then sold or scrapped. Some units were notably on railroads like the Green Bay Western, Utah Railway, and Squaw Creek Railway among others. Four of PRR's units were made into Conrail slugs, called MT6s, for use in railroad yards (noteably hump yards).
Eventually, 5 units made it into preservation; all of which are of ATSF heritage:
- Santa Fe 843; on display at the Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff, AR
- Santa Fe 9820 (blt as 820) preserved at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA but is not on public display
- Utah Railway 401 (blt ATSF 823) that is on display at the Utah State Railroad Museum in Odgen, UT
- Green Bay and Western #2407 (blt ATSF 841) was donated to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL. This locomotive was originally on static display, but was restored to operating condition in 2011
- Austin and Texas Central / Austin Steam Train (blt ATSF 842) was purchased from the defunct Indiana Hi Rail Corp in 2000. This locomotive, while originally operational, went down for traction motor issues in 2016 and as of August of 2024, is being restored to operational condition. (One fun fact is FC&N admin Patman is currently helping with the restoration of this locomotive)
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | ALCO 16-251B |
| Horsepower | 2400 |
| Truck Type | Alco Trimount C |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 6 |
| Minimum Weight | 335,000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 390,000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 65 MPH |
| Top Speed | 65, 75, or 80 |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 5400 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1800 Amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1085 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Automatic with Selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 2, 1, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 0.75, 1, 0.75 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers @ 50% |
| DB Max Current | 1800 Amps |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 830 Amps |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 10 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Latched Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24RL or 26L |
| Compressor CFM | 306 (Wabco 3CDB @ 1000 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35.2 Cubic Feet |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess