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GE C39-8
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Model C39-8 Build date 1984 – 1987 Total produced 161
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 40 in (1,016 mm) Length 70 ft 8 in (21.54 m) Fuel capacity 3,900–4,500 US gal (15,000–17,000 L; 3,200–3,700 imp gal) Prime mover 7FDL-16
Performance figures Maximum speed 70 mph (113 km/h) Power output 3,900 hp (2,900 kW)
Career Operators See table Locale United States

The GE C39-8 is a 6-axle diesel-electric locomotive model built by GE Transportation Systems between 1984 and 1987. It is part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives.

A total of 161 examples of this locomotive were built for two North American railroads: Conrail and Norfolk Southern Railway.

The C39-8 was a fairly unpopular locomotive with crews, cited factors such as a rough ride, tendency to overheat, frequent turbocharger issues, issues with the fuel injection system, and various other reliability issues.

Technical

The C39-8 is powered by a 3,900 horsepower (2,900 kW) V16 7FDL-16 diesel engine driving a GE GMC187A2 main alternator. The power generated by the main alternator drove 6 GE 752AG traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to 40-inch (1,016 mm) wheels which allowed the C39-8 a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).

Depending on customer options, the C39-8 carried between 3,900 to 4,500 US gal (14,763 to 17,034 L; 3,247 to 3,747 imp gal) of diesel fuel, 360 to 400 US gal (1,363 to 1,514 L; 300 to 333 imp gal) of lubricating oil, and 380 to 420 US gal (1,438 to 1,590 L; 316 to 350 imp gal) of coolant. Like most North American diesel locomotives, the C39-8 uses normal water for cooling.

The C39-8 has a maximum tractive effort of 108,600 lbf (483,000 N) at 10.8 mph (17.4 km/h).

Original owners

Current use

Apart from Norfolk Southern's test bed, Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad's former Norfolk Southern 8212 (née Conrail 6021) is the last C39-8 in active use in North America.

15 Norfolk Southern units were sold to Peru's Ferrocarril Central Andino (FCCA) after RDC acquired a significant part of the company in 1999. Many of them have been rebuilt by shortening the radiators.

See also

• List of GE locomotives

References

1. "Norfolk Southern C39-8E diesel locomotive is one of only two remaining". October 17, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
2. Burkhart, M.T. (April 28, 2020). "Last of its Kind: Rare GE Runs Final Miles in Pennsylvania". Railfan & Railroad Magazine. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
3. "FCCA Photographic Roster". Railroad Picture Archives. Retrieved January 14, 2023.

• 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.
• Withers, Paul (2007). Norfolk Southern Locomotive Directory 2006-2007. Withers Publishing. ISBN 978-1-881411-49-9.
• "Greenbrier Hotel to use two locomotives for private luxury train". Archived from the original on June 26, 2011. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

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• Railway locomotives introduced in 1984
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