SP 8033, a B39-8, leads an EMD SD40T-2 and another GE locomotive westbound through Aurora, Illinois.
(Sean Lamb (Slambo), CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
GE B39-8 DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
A GE B39-8 is a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems. It is part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives. Following the production of the first three units for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, GE made many mechanical and electrical improvements that were reflected in a redesigned carbody for the remainder of production; these later units are sometimes unofficially referred to as B39-8E.
Southern Pacific GE B39-8 8020 at Joliet, Illinois, June 11, 1993. Photographer: Dennis Schmidt.
This engine was built in September, 1987, as part of the first order for SP B39-8's, 8000-8039.
It became Union Pacific 5629 in August, 1999, and was renumbered UP 1820 in January, 2004.
(Craig Garver, Public domain, https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalrailartist/51002630978/)
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway | 3 | 7400-7402 | |
| BC Rail | 11 | 1700, 3901-3902, 3904-3911 | Most units are ex-LMX modified with typical BC Rail features such as ditch and rock lights, nose mounted headlights, and cab mounted bells |
| General Electric (demonstrator) | 1 | 808 | rebuilt from the unique B36-8 |
| General Electric Leasing (LMX) | 102 | 8500-8599, 8503 (2nd), 8540 (2nd) | long term lease units for Burlington Northern Railroad. Original 8503 and 8540 wrecked and rebuilt by GE as GECX 8000-8001 |
| Minnesota Commercial Railway | 4 | 58, 84-85, 87 | Units are ex-LMX, (8543, 8574, 8581), #85 is unknown LMX |
| Providence and Worcester Railroad | 9 | 3901-3909 | Units are ex-LMX |
| Southern Pacific Railroad | 40 | 8000-8039 | All units have been passed on to Union Pacific and were rebuilt into B40-8s. |
St Louis Southwestern GE B40-8 8040 8040 at Council Bluffs, Iowa, May 4, 1998. Photographer unknown.
(Craig Garver, Public domain, https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalrailartist/51004356206/)
Overview
Type and origin
Power type: Diesel-electric
Builder: GE Transportation Systems
Model: B39-8
Build date: January 1984 – July 1988
Total produced: 145
Specifications
Configuration: AAR B-B
Gauge: 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter: 40 in (1,016 mm)
Minimum curve: 39°
Length: 66 ft 4 in (20.22 m)
Width: 10 ft 1+1⁄2 in (3.086 m)
Height: 14 ft 11.5 in (4.559 m)
Locomotive weight: 280,000 lb (130,000 kg)
Fuel type: Diesel
Prime mover: GE 7FDL-16
RPM range: 450-1050
Engine type: 45° V16, four stroke cycle
Alternator: GMG 186
Traction motors: (4) GE 752AF
Cylinders: 16
Performance figures
Maximum speed: 70 mph (110 km/h)
Power output: 3,900 hp (2,908 kW)
Tractive effort: 68,500 lb (31,100 kg) starting, 68,000 lb (31,000 kg) continuous
Career
Locale: North America
References
- McDonnell, Greg (2008). Locomotives: The Modern Diesel and Electric Reference. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press. ISBN 978-1550464931.
- Solomon, Brian (2003). GE Locomotives: 110 Years of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 9780760313619.
- Solomon, Brian (2010). Modern Locomotives: High Horsepower Diesels 1966–2000. New York: Crestline. ISBN 978-0785826811.
