GE B39-8

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.

GE B39-8
SP 8033, a B39-8, leads an EMD SD40T-2 and another GE locomotive westbound through Aurora, Illinois.
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) Loco 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

Original owners

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.

See also

• List of GE locomotives

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.