EMD GT18LC-2

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 type Diesel Builder EMD Model GM GT18LC-2 Build date 1970-2001 Total produced 87
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C Gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) Prime mover EMD 8-645E3C Engine type 2-stroke diesel Aspiration Turbocharger Cylinders V8 Transmission DC traction motor Loco brake Straight air Train brakes Straight air
Performance figures Maximum speed 107 km/h (66 mph) Power output 1,500 hp (1.12 MW) Tractive effort 438 kN (98,000 lbf)
Career Locale Export

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

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.