ALCO Century 855

ALCO Century 855
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder American Locomotive Company (ALCO)
Serial number 84730–84731 (A units), 84732 (B unit)
Model DL855, DL856
Total produced 3 (two A units, one B unit)
Specifications
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Length 86 ft (26.21 m)
Loco weight 551,400 pounds (250,111 kg)
Fuel capacity 6,000 US gal (5,000 imp gal; 23,000 L)
Prime mover Dual Alco 251C
Engine type Dual V16 diesel
Alternator AC alternator
Traction motors DC traction motors
Cylinders 32 (2 x 16)
Transmission Electric
Performance figures
Power output 5,500 hp (4,101 kW)
Career
Operators Union Pacific Railroad
Numbers 60–61, 60B
Locale North America
Delivered July, 1964
Disposition All scrapped
Stats given in this table pertain to cab unit

The ALCO Century 855 was ALCO’s most powerful diesel-electric locomotive and, at the time, the most powerful diesel locomotive ever built. [1]

Powered by a pair of 16 cylinder ALCO 251C diesel engines, and rated at 5,500 hp (4,101 kW), it was ALCO's answer to the EMD DD35 and the GE U50. The C855 rode on four two-axle trucks, grouped in pairs linked by span bolsters, giving a wheel arrangement of B+B-B+B. The trucks and bolsters were similar to those under UP's earlier turbine locomotives. Only two A units and one B unit were built, all for Union Pacific Railroad, which had also requested double-engined locomotives from EMD and GE in order to replace the turbines, which had become uneconomical to operate.[1]

Union Pacific also wished to reduce the number of locomotives needed on a consist, to keep in line with their allowable gross weight limit. By consolidating several locomotives into one or two, this allowed them to lower the axle load on the rails, but to stay within the limits placed by the company. They spent their lives in the general freight pool at North Platte; however, poor performance led to their early retirement and eventual scrapping by February 1972.

Union Pacific Railroad 60B, the only Century 855B built

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "6,000 HP Diesel-Electric for Fast Freight Traffic in USA" Railway Gazette July 3, 1964 pages 547-550
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