GMD GMDH-1

GMD GMDH-1
Locomotive #6031 of RFFSA is a GMDH-1.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-hydraulic Builder General Motors Diesel Serial number A1597, A1713, A1811, A1812 Model GMDH1 Build date 1956~1959 Total produced 4
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC B′B′ Loco weight First two: 52 short tons (46 long tons; 47 t) Last two: 74 short tons (66 long tons; 67 t) Prime mover First two: 2 × Detroit Diesel 6-110 Last two: 2 × Detroit Diesel Series 71 Transmission Hydraulic
Performance figures Power output First two: 600 hp (450 kW) Last two: 800 hp (600 kW)

The GMD GMDH-1 was an experimental diesel-hydraulic, center-cab, switching locomotive built by General Motors Diesel of Canada. Four examples were built. The first two locomotives were each fitted with a pair of 6-cylinder Detroit Diesel series 110 engines giving 600 horsepower (450 kW), while the second pair had two series 71 engines developing 800 hp (600 kW).

The first constructed, in December 1956, was serial #A1597, numbered GMDD 1001. It became the GMD London, Ontario plant switcher in April 1958, and was retired in November 1975. The locomotive was given to the Canadian Railway Historical Association in July 1977, and passed into the collection of the Canada Science and Technology Museum in November 1986 after being restored by Al Howlett of London, Ontario.

The second locomotive, serial #A1713, was completed in September 1958, and was first numbered GMDD 600 as a demonstrator. It was later sold to Brazil, where it was RFFSA 600 and later Rio Grande do Sul 6031. The unit is reported as having been subsequently scrapped.

The third and fourth locomotives, #A1811 and #A1812, were constructed in September and October 1959 respectively; they were initially given GMDD 800 and 801. Both were sold to industry. #A1811 passed through a succession of owners. It was first sold to Electric Reduction Company (ERCO) in May 1961 as their #89; ERC sold it to S.G. Paikin through Malcolm Black Equipment Ltd, equipment dealers, in October 1972, who in turn sold it to Limestone Products in October 1973 as their #3-6902. It was sold once more to Malcolm Black Equipment Ltd in September 1979, who resold it in February 1980 to Raritan River Steel of (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) as their #3. It did not last there, returning to Canada again through Malcolm Black Equipment Ltd and being rebuilt by Peacock Bros. of Edmonton before passing to Hudson Bay Oil & Gas in Kaybob, Alberta as their #3 in January 1981. Hudson Oil & Gas became Dome Petroleum and then Amoco Canada Petroleum, for whom the locomotive remains (as of 2006) operable.

#A1812, meanwhile, was purchased by contracting firm Guy F. Atkinson Company as their #28151. It was re-gauged to 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) gauge and shipped to Pakistan for the building of the Mangla Dam, where it still resides.

See also

• List of GMD Locomotives