EMD GP BLOMBERG 4 WHEEL TRUCKS

FT trucks, as delivered

Firemans lead truck-front axle-square box w/speedometer connected. all other trucks/axles had the sloped boxes. All the above information from the Diesel Era booklet "The Revolutionary Diesel EMC's FT" and "General Motors First Generation Diesel-Electric Locomotives Vol 1" by James W. Kerr, Derived from looking at the dated pictures.

F2 trucks as delivered

Firemans lead truck-front axle-square box w/speedometer connected, rear axle-sloped box. Firemans trailing truck-front axle-square box, rear axle-sloped box. Engineers side lead truck-front axle-sloped box, rear axle-square box. Engineers side trailing truck-front axle-sloped box, rear axle-square box. All the above is from pictures in the books "General Motors First Generation Diesel-Electric Locomotives Vol 1" by James W. Kerr, Atlantic Coast line Diesels by Withers and New York Central Locomotives by Edson, Vail & Smith. The ? is for units that I cannot locate a picture.

F3,5,7,FP7,FP9,GP7,9,18,& GP20 trucks as delivered.

Firemans lead truck-front wheel "Hyatt Roller bearing cover" w/speedometer connected, rear wheel "Hyatt Roller bearing cover" All other trucks and axle had the "Hyatt Roller bearing cover". Often GP18 & 20's were delivered with trade in trucks from old "F" units.

EMD BLOMBERG "M" TRUCKS and AXLE BOX COVERS

Two versions of the Blomberg truck was fitted to many units including the GP18,20,28,30,35,38,39,& 40's. Again some of these units rode on trade-in trucks from earlier models. The early version had the elliptical springs and clasp type double brakes shoes.
The later version, ordered on many GP-20's,50 & 60's, has rubber springs in place of the elliptical springs and single brake shoes and a shock damper on one wheel.
As with all information of this type it is best to use pictures to accurately model any particular unit. Looking at pictures will reveal the variety of "swaps' made by railroad owners.

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© S.A. McCall