Review

Field Guide to Modern Diesel Locomotives by Bill McKean

Filed Guide to Modern Diesel Locomotives, by Greg McDonnell, is the most recent in a series of similar books published by Kalmbach. Most railfans and modelers concern themselves with the make and model of locomotives pulling a train at least as much as the consist being pulled. To be positive about this information, research is sometimes required.

The headline of the introduction asks, "What Are All These Diesels?" That turns out to be a quote from an advertisement for Kalmbach's first Diesel Spotter book in 1967. Even though since that time Baldwin, Lima and Alco have disappeared, GE has not only become an independent manufacturer but also is now the leading producer of locomotives, and EMD has mostly moved its operations to Canada, the question is still valid.

McDonnell's Field Guide answers virtually any question about the identity of almost any given locomotive made after 1972 and provides a great wealth of information in addition. The book is divided into three primary sections by manufacturer-- General Electric, General Motors and a surprise: Motive Power Industries Division of WABTEC.

Coverage of General Motors locomotives begins with the 1972 introduction of Dash 2 locomotives, and includes the switchers which were in GM's catalog at that time, although they predate the Dash 2s. GE's coverage starts in '1977 with the Dash 7 series that followed the U-boats. Although MPI's locomotives are built, at least in part, from previously used components, they are included, as they are distinct from the donor locomotives. Each section begins with an interesting history of the manufacturer. These histories may be brief, but they include a thorough overview of how that company got to where they are in the industry today.

GE's history is recounted from 1893, when GE put together a two-axle 30-ton electric locomotive, to today's six thousand-horsepower brutes. Next is a color photo of an AC6000CW, with body panels removed to show location of major mechanical components. Another page has six color photos of the different trucks to be found beneath recent GE locos. Two more pages are devoted to contemporary prime movers - the diesel motor which drives the generator. The GE section gets down to business with model-by-model coverage, starting with the B-23-7 and BQ 23-7. Several pages with color pictures are devoted to each model. Coverage continues in essentially chronological order up to the AC models, and passenger units.

The next section of the book tells of Electro Motive Division of General Motors beginnings in 1936 at LaGrange, Illinois and its leadership in locomotive production from 1945 to 1983, when GE assumed that title. It also details the move of much of the operation to GMDD.across the border. Photos of units on the erecting floor in London, Ontario and elsewhere are included. An SD90MAC is the guest for the Location of Equipment photo. Photos of five truck varieties are also shown. Contemporary EMD prime movers also get text, photos and a chart of data._

SW1000s and their brethren begin the GM section, which culminates in the SD90 model for freight locos, and F69PHAC passenger units. Okay, I hadn't heard of an F69PHAC either, so I was fascinated to read all about them. Equally astonishing were the DM30ACs built by Super Steel Technology on behalf of GM, using GM components, for the Long Island Railroad's commuter service.

Motive Power Industries is the final topic of the Field Guide. MPI traces its roots back to Morrison-Knudsen, which did rebuilds of tired old locomotives for SP, BN, and many other railroads. It now provides locomotives of its own design, albeit usually made of off -the-shelf parts from GM and other common sources. MPI is also the constructor for GP15D and GP20D switchers, detailed in the General Motors section. It's less confusing than it sounds, and the Field Guide makes it understandable.

With 208 pages, and color photographs on nearly every one, the Field Guide to Modern Locomotives is very well written, easy-to understand, and gives every impression of accuracy. However, I did not go out and weigh a GE 6000 horsepower prime mover to check the book's claim that it weighs 47,849 pounds. I'm prepared to take their word for it. If you like modem locomotives, and even more so if you take pictures of, or have discussions with fellow railfans about modem locomotives, this volume deserves to be in your collection.