DM30 and DE30

Whats the difference between the DM30 and DE30?

As I only recently learned, the difference is that the DM is a Dual mode locomotive, meaning that it can run under both diesel and electric (third rail) power. These units are numbered 500 and up on the LIRR. The DE is a diesel electric, meaning that it converts diesel fuel to electric power in order to run the locomotive. These units have road numbers 400 and up. Hope that helps.

so locomotives numbered above 500 can be either a DE or DM but anything between 400 and 499 can only be a DE?

LI Railfan,

Sorry i wasn't clear about that. DE's will have raod numbers from 400 up, but less than 500. Then, the DM's are 500 and up but less than 600. I cannot say for sure how many the LIRR has of each, maybe someone else could help out with that info...

There's 23 of each.

Only the DMs go to NYP. They have the 3rd rail shoes to pick up the electricity.

Correct NIMBY. in fact, I believe that the railroad requires the DMs on the main line to run on third rail power west of Jamaica.

DE's 23 around the system, there the basic diesel locomotive (diesel engine provides power to create electric to drive the traction motors to drive the train)

DM's 23, 22 around the system as the (503) is OOS since the shoe beam fire. the DM's run on both third rail power and regular deisel eletric power.

we call a diesel locomotive a diesel locomotive. but they are really a" diesel eletric" locomotive. thats the same for all diesels, thats why they dont have transmissions.

"in fact, I believe that the railroad requires the DMs on the main line to run on third rail power west of Jamaica."

On westward trains, you mean?

timz,

i'm actually not sure about that, though my guess would be both east and west bound trains. to be quite honest, i'm not 100% certain that using electric power west of jamaica is what they still do; i had heard this from a guy in MOW two years ago. although he would be in a better position than most to have such information, it may not be perfect info.

DM's ONLY run in electric mode west of Jamaica going to Penn only. DM's which run to LIC, or Hunterspoint Ave., still run in diesel mode. The switchover to Electric usually takes place west of Nassau on the Main Line, or Valley on the Montauk Branch, and switches to diesel going east right outside the East River Tubes.

Is there any pyhsical differences?

the most noticeable physical difference is that the DM's have third rail shoes, whereas the DE's do not. Other than that, I believe that the exteriors are for the most part identical.

DE's are #'s 400-422
DM's are #'s 500-522 (with the third rail gear).


Both units though are identical.

I need some informations about this locos. Can anybody help me, please?