E and F units What are the differences - Model Railroader Magazine

'E's (for Electro Motive) were Diesels designed for 'Streamlined' Passenger Service starting  with the E-1 (streamlined 'production' versions of earliest UP M-1000, CB&Q's Pioneer Zepher, ATSF's 'Amos & Andy' Cab diesels.

FT's (for 'Freight Train') were wartime freight designs that revolutionized locomotives for RR's.They worked alongside Steam, and were lower maintenance.

F (for 'Freight') were a post war extension of the FT. Santa Fe, after using 'E's on their grades, decided on 'F-3's (and later F-7's) for their transcontinents passenger trains.(4 units= 6000 HP did not require 'helpers'.

 E units had A-1-A 6 wheeled trucks with the center being unpowered. F's had 4 wheel  BB trucks with all 4 being  powered.

ALCO, a successful steam builder, called their fist 'Covered wagon' diesel 'DL', and later models just 'P' (A&B)for passenger, and 'F' for freight. Their 'Hood' units were lettered  'DL' for Diesel Locomotive, then sometimes RSD for 'Road Switcher Diesel' as opposed to RS for their smaller 'switchers. Later models were I.D'd as  'Century', to compete ln a losing battle with EMD.

Fairbanks Moorse, a wartime builder of diesel engines for submarines,  had one passenger entry, but were more successful with High Hood switchers, labeled 'HH'. Their lone passenger engine was labeled 'M-50' (don't ask). It was a joint effort with GE and built in Erie PA.

GE, a late comer has had several I.D. schemes - one for 6 wheel trucks and another for 4, which identify their horepower. Someone else can fill you in.  My interest is in the earlier diesel period.

The post-war era found RR's needing to replace their worn-out engines, and the lower maintenance cost of the Diesel engine was promising. Sales were high.

For starters, they required no stops for water or tenders. Passenger engines had boilers to furnish heat for existing passenger cars.

Don Gibson .............. ________ _______ I I__()____||__| ||||| I / I ((|__|----------| | |||||||||| I ______ I // o--O O O O-----o o OO-------OO ###########################