This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
GE U18B
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGeneral Electric
ModelU18B
Build dateMarch 1973 – October 1976
Total produced163
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length54 ft 8 in (16.66 m)
Prime moverGE 7FDL
Engine typeV8 4-stroke diesel
AspirationTurbocharger
Displacement5,344 cu in (87.57 L)
Cylinders8
Cylinder size9 in × 10.5 in (228.6 mm × 266.7 mm)
TransmissionDC generator, DC traction motors
Loco brakeStraight air, Dynamic
Train brakes26-L Air
Performance figures
Power output1,800 hp (1.34 MW)
Career
LocaleNorth America

The GE U18B diesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation as a branch line road switcher locomotive in 1973.[1] It was the only North American locomotive powered by the 8-cylinder 7FDL engine.[2] The U18B was not a popular seller with GE only making about 150 of them, and they were mostly purchased by Maine Central and Seaboard Coast Line.[1] Railroads lost interest in specialized road units entering the 1970s.[1] The U18Bs were noted for having reliability issues and being underpowered.[1] The Maine Central referred to their U18Bs as the Independence class and named their units after revolutionary war heroes.[3][1] GE included information about a B18-7 locomotive (which would have followed the U18B) in its 1978 "Series-7 Road Locomotives" service manual, but none of these updated units were ordered, sold, or built.[4][5]

Original Owners


Image Railroad Quantity Numbers Notes
Maine Central Railroad[6] 10[6] 400–409[6] Blomberg trucks;[6] part of a cancelled SCL order
Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México[6] 45[6] 9000–9044[6] AAR type-B trucks[6]
Providence and Worcester Railroad[6] 1[6] 1801[6] FB-2 trucks[6]
Seaboard Coast Line Railroad[6] 105[6] 250–261, 300–392[6] 325-392 with Blomberg trucks, all others FB-2.[6] All to CSX. 10 additional units on order but cancelled
Texas Utilities[6] 2[6] 101–102[6] AAR type-B trucks[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "GE "U18B" Locomotives: Data, Specs, Production Roster". American-Rails.com. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  2. ^ "Origins of the GE FDL engine". RAILROAD.NET. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  3. ^ "Maine Central Roster". trainweb.org. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  4. ^ Miller, T. C. B. (September 1963). "Maintenance of Diesel Electric Locomotives in Service". Journal of the Institution of Locomotive Engineers. 53 (295): 577–661. doi:10.1243/jile_proc_1963_053_055_02. ISSN 0534-283X.
  5. ^ Kte'pi, Bill (2014), "Electric Diesel Locomotive", Encyclopedia of Transportation: Social Science and Policy, Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc., doi:10.4135/9781483346526.n177, ISBN 9781452267791, retrieved 2022-03-25
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t "U18B Roster". www.trainweb.org. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
Categories