GE B39-8

Last updated
GE B39-8
SP 8033 19921006 IL Eola.jpg
SP 8033, a B39-8, leads an EMD SD40T-2 and another GE locomotive westbound through Aurora, Illinois.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder GE Transportation Systems
ModelB39-8
Build dateJanuary 1984 – July 1988
Total produced145
Specifications
Configuration:
   AAR B-B
Gauge 4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter40 in (1,016 mm)
Minimum curve 39°
Length66 ft 4 in (20.22 m)
Width10 ft 1+12 in (3.086 m)
Height14 ft 11.5 in (4.559 m)
Loco weight280,000 lb (130,000 kg)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime mover GE 7FDL-16
RPM range450-1050
Engine type45° V16, four stroke cycle
Alternator GMG 186
Traction motors (4) GE 752AF
Cylinders 16
Performance figures
Maximum speed70 mph (110 km/h)
Power output3,900  hp (2,908  kW)
Tractive effort 68,500 lb (31,100 kg) starting,
68,000 lb (31,000 kg) continuous
Career
Locale North America

The 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.

Contents

Original owners

RailroadQuantityRoad numbersNotes
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway37400-7402
BC Rail 111700, 3901-3902, 3904-3911Most 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)1808rebuilt from the unique B36-8
General Electric Leasing (LMX)1028500-8599, 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 458, 84-85, 87Units are ex-LMX, (8543, 8574, 8581), #85 is unknown LMX
Providence and Worcester Railroad 93901-3909Units are ex-LMX
Southern Pacific Railroad 408000-8039All units have been passed on to Union Pacific and were rebuilt into B40-8s.

See also

References