Although these EMD’s would be a pain to get on/off. At least you could throw your grip up on the walkway first. More likely one person get on/off, then hand up/down the luggage. Of course, back then most crew members weren’t loaded down like they were going on safari either.
The worst thing about the conventional cab GE’s was their small cab doors. I had a new grip, first trip, and I ripped it going through one of those @#$%?& doors.
I work on a tourist railroad, running Alcos and 1st generation EMDs (F’s and a GP9). Another difference between those manufacturers is how the generator “loads”, or applies power to the traction motors. Put an Alco in notch 1, and the ammeter current pops right up to the level associated with that throttle notch. Same when going to notch 2, 3, etc. On the EMD’s, there is a lag between moving the throttle and the flow of current to the traction motors. For example, go from notch 2 to 3 and there is a several second lag between the throttle movement, and the full application of the motor current, with the transition taking place gradually. In certain circumstances (like spotting a train at a specific spot on the platform), having an Alco is advantageous because you get the full effect of your throttle movement almost immediately. I’m sure in other circumstances (like a long freight train), the gradual application of the EMD’s is preferred, to minimize in-train forces, but I don’t have any experience on those.
For those running modern power, how quickly do they load? Are there still differences between GE and EMD (Progress Rail)?
Some EMD engines had an option that had a switch to place them in road or switching mode. In switching mode it made them load a lot faster. (For kicking cars in the yard.) I know I’ve seen it on switch engines and engines downgraded to switching or local service. Some may have been railroad applied rather than original from the builder installations.
On the new AC engines, there isn’t as big a difference in loading between GE and EMD. The absolute worst engine to load up that I’ve come across were our EMD SD9043 models. While they were AC models, they were worse than the old DC GE models. I had to use one once on a yard job, all we were doing was reblocking a couple of trains in the yard. I’m sure the yard foreman was wondering what was taking me so long to respond to his signals.