A nonoperable model of a diesel-electric locomotive (figure 81) was
given to the Museum (USNM 313163) by the New York Central System in
1947. This gray and black model, which is 33 inches long and is built to
a scale of ¼ inch to the foot, represents the General Motors 2-unit
diesel-electric _No. 4000-4001_ of the New York Central, a type placed
in service with the Empire State Express in 1945 to replace the
Hudson-type steam locomotives described on page 99. The model was
especially built for the Museum’s collection, the builder being Edwin P.
Alexander of Yardley, Pa.
The overall length of the two full sized units is just over 140 feet and
their combined weight is 646,000 pounds. Each end of each unit is
supported by a 6-wheeled truck, and the wheel diameter is 36 inches
throughout.
Each unit is equipped with two General Motors 12-cylinder V-type 2-cycle
diesel engines having a bore of 8½ inches and a stroke of 10 inches, and
developing 1,000 horsepower at 800 revolutions per minute, a total of
4,000 horsepower for the two units combined. Each engine is directly
coupled to a generator that supplies direct current to the two traction
motors, geared, respectively, to the front and rear axles of its
corresponding truck. No power is applied to the center axle, which is
for weight distribution only. The joint tractive force of the two units
is 108,950 pounds.
[Illustration: Figure 81.—Model of General Motors diesel-electric
locomotive, 1945.]