SW1500 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
KCS SW1500 #4346 at Heavener, Oklahoma, December 28, 1974, Paul L. Strang photo, Chuck Zeiler collection.
The EMD SW1500 was the advancement of EMD's switcher line into the 645 realm, as a replacement for the SW1200. It used a roots-blown V12 645E engine to deliver 1500 horsepower. It rode the same frame as its 8 cylinder cousin, the SW1000.
The SW1500 (along with the SW1000) entered production in June of 1966, catching up EMD's switcher offerings with the rest of the 645 line, which had been introduced in January of that year. A total of 808 units were produced June of 1966 to January of 1974, when it was replaced by the MP15. The SW1500 proved popular with railroads large and small, with 808 being built for a staggering 59 original owners (not counting industrial outfits); small terminal railroads all the way to Class 1 railroads purchased them (Including 5 that went to the Brazilian Amapa Railway) with the first (7/66) and last (1/74) SW1500 locomotives made managing to end up on the same railroad - The Kentucky and Indiana Terminal railroad purchased both.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | EMD 12-645E |
| Horsepower | 1500 |
| Truck Type | AAR Type A (1) |
| Axles | 4 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight | 248,000 |
| Maximum Weight | 260,000 |
| Model Base Speed | 45 MPH |
| Top Speed | 45 (1) |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 3000 |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1500 |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1050 |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Service Selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 2, 1, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 0.53, 1, 0.53 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | Automatic Power Reduction |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | N/A |
| DB Max Current | N/A |
| DB Max Continuous Current | N/A |
| 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 | 26NL |
| Compressor CFM | 254 (Gardner Denver WBO @ 900 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 33.8 Cubic Feet |
Notes:
(1): The SW1500 could also be ordered with Flexicoil trucks, making it more suitable for road switching. This allowed for higher tops speeds; 50 or 65 MPH, depending on the gearing.
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess