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Emd Fl9The EMD FL9 was a dual-power locomotive, capable of operating both as a conventional diesel-electric locomotive and as a third rail electric locomotive, built between October 1956 and November 1960 by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division as a custom order for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (the "New Haven"). The locomotive was based on the EMD FP9, but was lengthened further to accomodate the additional equipment needed. Because of the additional weight, the locomotive was given a three-axle rear truck, making it of B-A1A wheel arrangement. The middle axle of the rear truck was not powered. The Flexicoil type of truck was used at both front and rear, since this had more room for fitting the third rail shoe and associated equipment. The locomotive was capable of using either overrunning or underrunning third rail by means of a moveable shoe; it does not have the ability to operate from overhead wire. The third rail can be contacted and the power source switched at speed, as can be the reverse transition. Unlike some other dual-power locomotives in the world, such as British Rail's class 73, the diesel engine is the primary source of power for the locomotive. Third rail capability was only required because of New York City ordinances prohibiting locomotives that emitted smoke within city limits. The New Haven had electified much of its track, even outside of New York, but was interested in the prospect of abandoning the expensive electrification outside New York City proper and using regular diesel haulage. Exchanging diesel for electric locomotives at the boundary, however, was considered an unfeasible delay for the New Haven's fast commuter services. The electricity supply available from the third rail—600V DC—was identical to the requirements of diesel locomotive traction motors, enabling a fairly easy conversion to a dual-power locomotive. Two batches of FL9s were built; one of 30 locomotives built from October 1956 through November 1957, of 1750 hp from a 567C engine, and a further 30 built between June and November 1960, of 1800 hp from a newer 567D1 engine. The paint scheme as delivered was the bright McGinnis scheme of red, black and white. The FL9s were successful, but for other reasons the New Haven never did abandon its electrification, negating the primary reason for their purchase. The FL9s passed to the Penn Central after the merger with the Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central Railroad, and some were repainted in all-over Penn Central black, while others remained in their former New Haven paint. When the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") began funding these commuter services in 1970, many of the locomotives were repainted blue with a bright yellow nose, although they remained Penn Central-owned. The locomotives passed to Conrail in 1976. In 1983, Conrail passed its commuter operations completely to state agencies. In New York State, the MTA formed Metro-North Railroad as a subsidiary company to operate these (and operations in Connecticut under contract with that state). The locomotives were repainted in Metro-North colors, and a large number of them, now in some cases over 25 years old, were rebuilt and modernised. Many were only replaced in the early years of the 21st century by new power, a service life of almost fifty years. Some still remain in service for local trains, however. A number have been donated to museums in the area.
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