I am somewhat surprised that the radial trucks on the later EMD 6 motor locomotives don’t receive the attention they deserve. These trucks allow the SD70’s and larger units to go on twisty track that was once delegated to only 4 motor units. The trucks also have had a major impact on the adhesion of locomotives. I guess it’s the AC’s that get the press but these trucks really are worth looking at.
they are a pleasure to ride on, and they do definately hold the rail good, as long as the railroads maintain the shocks on them they should be smooth riding for years.
I read in my magazine that when GE was releasing their radial, they had problems with there “please correct me if I’m wrong” hunting on the trucks. But they did something to them, and I guess corrected the problem.
Dru
It is interesting that you don’t hear much about GE’s “steerable” truck, weither good or bad. I see that BNSF, NS, CN, and UP have kept the roller blade truck and have not purchased the GE steerable except perhaps on a trial basis.
now if we could get them to fix the hunting problems on their regular trucks that would be something. never have been on a GE with radial trucks, but see 'em all the time at the KCS yard in KC, (both KCS and TFM). I’d like to see if they ride any better than their older trucks or especially those hi-adhesion trucks, they are the worst.
if they dont fix them they need to put in a five point harness like they use in nascar so you can stay in the seat. its hard to blow for crossings when your eye balls are rolling around in your head and you cant see or even grab the horn to blow.
amen to that brother!