The CSX photo archive has a series about something called an ‘RDMT’ (http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/html/RDMT.html), which appears to be a slug in the body of a GP35 (sometimes GP30) with the fans removed and grillwork covered over. Can anybody tell me more about these units, or direct me to a website with that info?
Thanx,
Ken L.
CSX used to occasionaly use a GP30 slug mated to a GP40-2 in the local freight to my hometown. Crews liked to use the slug as the lead unit because the cab was re-furbished and had a air conditioner.There was a transfer pump on the slug’s fuel tank so it could put fuel into the powered unit’s tank.The CSX line used to handle grain shipments,but has become a shortline. Joe G.
they are just that… old GP30s (or are they 35s…i dont remember) with all the guts takin out …the prime mover…and all the systems that go along with the prime mover…a road slug as it is called… the cab is left on so you can run form that unit…but to it has to be be coupled to a “mother” locomotive…one that still has all the guts…
this mother loco provides the power for the slug…the slug still has its traction motors so it can generat traction as long as the mother unit is running and online… basicly its like haveing an 8 axel locomotive insted of 2 4 axels… saves on fuel and mantinace costs…they add weight to the slug by putting in cement…to replace the weight that is lost from removing the prime mover and its suport equimpment… most still have dynamic brakeing also…
they also “sluged out” some gp 38s and 40s…and all the slugs are most commonly mated with gp40s…
csx engineer