Re: Yes it is Brazil, or Brasil
Author: sP5103
Date: 03-07-2012 - 10:50
Not sure what gauge this is. The two common gauges in Brazil/Brasil are 63" broad and meter gauge (39-3/8"). This looks like it is meter (ALL has both). They have been buying used US locos and converting gauge on them. Various EMD SD-2 and GE-7 units have been converted to B+B-B+B or C-C arrangements. Sometimes there is a substantial effort to reduce height by relocating or lowering various fans, horns and such above the cab roof. These SD's show relocated horns, but not much more than that. At low speeds, the 6 axle ng conversions are limited to a lower hp - the rating on the GE761 or Chinese equivelant are quite impressive.
The "small" GEs are probably a U20C model. Records show 200+ built at Erie or GE-Brazil in the 70s and 80s. These could be either broad or narrow gauge. Think of them as the export version of a U23C designed to be lighter and smaller. These are typically around 90-100 tons, half the weight of a typical North American design. Most export designs are 9' wide and 12' tall compared to 10' wide and 15'+ tall.
Listen to them go by on the video - they have the typical U-Boat "chug" that we rarely hear anymore.