The engineer poses for a picture while waiting for an air test. The 5000 class 2-10-4s actually developed more horsepower than a four unit set of FTs. But this horsepower was at 40mph. The back emf that builds up as electric motors turn faster actually works against the diesel electric locomotive. However, there were major benefits with the diesels. First, they didn't consume vast amounts of water. This was critical in the desert southwest. Second the drawbar pull of the FTs was almost twice that of a 2-10-4 at low speeds. And third was the addition of dynamic brakes. Both of these factors were essential in the mountains.

Delano Index

Meet at Melrose