U34CH - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
Similar to GO Transit's F40PH's, EL-NJDOT's U34CH's ran freight on the Erie-Lackawanna during the weekends. Photo credit Howard Kent Jr.
The U34CH is an HEP equipped U36C. As was GE practice, the U34CH was little more than a highly specialized U36C; as the modifications were drastic enough, GE considered it to be it's own locomotive type. Financed by NJDOT and bought by Erie-Lackawanna, the only 32 built spent their lives doing commuter trains on the newborn NJT on weekdays and hauling freight in the general pool on the EL on the weekend. The fleet was retired from passenger service in 1994; after which, they dispersed out across New England on general assignments and MOW work. Of the original 32 built, only one (3372) is preserved.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | GE 7FDL-16F (1) |
| Horsepower | 3600 |
| Truck Type | GE FB-3 |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 6 |
| Minimum Weight | 363,000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 420,000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 70 MPH |
| Top Speed | 70, 80, or 86 ⚠ |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 5400 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1800 Amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1195 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 29% ⚠ |
| Transition Mode | Automatic, no selector (2) |
| Transition Groups | 2, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 1 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR + Sand |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers (0), automatic |
| DB Max Current | 740 Amps |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 740 Amps |
| Blended Braking | Yes |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | Yes |
| HEP Power Consumption | 200 HP |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N0, N7 |
| Load Ramp Speed | 3 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 34EP (3) |
| Compressor CFM | 236.25 (Wabco 3CDCBL @ 1050 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 32.4 Cubic Feet |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess
(1): Very very late standard Universals were offered with CHEC excitation, and classed as 7FDL-16G.
(2): The U34CH was (apparently) equipped with a manual transition lever that was optionally turned on/off. This lever would have made the unit act like it was Automatic with Selector.
(3): 34EP is 24RL with fully electric trainline brakes (among other things).