The EMD GM GT18LC-2 diesel electric locomotive was introduced by Electro-Motive Diesel as an export model switcher in the 1970s. The prototype model spent its life at the General Motors plant in London, Ontario, and inspired sales to Egypt (which then canceled their order) and later Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) in 1980 where it was designated KTM Class 25. KTM had been facing a shortage of shunters at that time. The prototype was eventually sold with another eleven more units to KTM in 1990 and after seeing the locomotives' reliability, placed a second order of five locomotives which arrived in 2002. Bangladesh Railway is the largest user of the class with 55 locomotives built by General Motors Diesel and Hyundai Rotem as Class 2600 and Class 2900, respectively.

EMD GM GT18LC-2
Class 25 (EMD GT18LC-2) at Kuala Lumpur Station
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel
BuilderEMD
ModelGM GT18LC-2
Build date1970-2001
Total produced87
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
Gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+38 in)
Prime moverEMD 8-645E3C
Engine type2-stroke diesel
AspirationTurbocharger
CylindersV8
TransmissionDC traction motor
Loco brakeStraight air
Train brakesStraight air
Performance figures
Maximum speed107 km/h (66 mph)
Power output1,500 hp (1.12 MW)
Tractive effort438 kN (98,000 lbf)
Career
LocaleExport

During KTM's second order of the GT18LC-2, Ghana Railway also placed an order for 14 locomotives of the same model which arrived in 1996.

Original Owners

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Railroad Quantity Works No. Local Designation Numbers Notes
General Motors 1 GT18LC-2 Sold
Bangladesh Railway 16 Class 2600 2601-2616 All in active service.
Bangladesh Railway 39

Class 2900

2901-2939 All in active service.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu 12 Class 25/1 25101-25112 Delivered 1990, All in active service.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu 5 Class 25/2 25201-25205 Delivered 2002, All in active service.
Ghana Railway 14 928803 Class 16xx 1670-1683 Delivered 1996, All in active service.

References

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