The EMD F9 is a 1750 hp Diesel-electric locomotive produced between February 1953 and May 1960 by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors (EMD) and General Motors Diesel (GMD). It succeeded the F7 model in GM-EMD's F-unit sequence. Final assembly was at GM-EMD's La Grange, Illinois plant. The F9 was also built in Canada by General Motors Diesel at their London, Ontario plant. A total of 101 cab-equipped lead A units and 156 cabless booster B units were built. The F9 was the fifth model in GM-EMD's highly successful "F" series of cab unit diesel locomotives. By the time cab units such as the F9 were built, railroads were turning to the road switcher-style of locomotive, as they had much better visibility from the cab without the need to lean out the window. The F9 was succeeded in most part by the EMD GP9.

Engine and powertrain

The F9 used a 16-cylinder 567C series Diesel engine developing 1750 hp at 800 rpm. The 567 was designed specifically for locomotive applications, being a 45 degree V-type two-stroke design, with 567 cuin displacement per cylinder, for a total of 9072 cuin. A D.C. generator powered four D37 traction motors, two on each Blomberg B truck. EMD has built all of its major components since 1939.

Identification

An F9 can be distinguished reliably from a late F7 only by the addition of an extra filter grille ahead of the front porthole on the side panels on A units. Internally, the use of an 567C prime mover increased power to 1750 hp from the F7's 1500 hp.

Original buyers

Locomotives built by EMD at La Grange, Illinois

Locomotives built by GMD at London, Ontario