GE B36-7

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GE B36-7
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder GE Transportation Systems
Model B36-7
Build date 1980 – 1985
Total production 230
AAR wheel arr. B-B
Gauge ft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Power output 3600 hp
Locale North America
Disposition many still in service as of 2006

The GE B36-7 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems between 1980 and 1985. 230 examples of this locomotive were built for North American railroads. Of the 230 locomotives built, 180 of them were built for two Eastern railroads - Seaboard System Railroad (which became part of CSX Transportation in 1986) and Conrail.

These 4-axle locomotives were powerful ones, creating 3600 horsepower. They were first placed on fast train duty, moving intermodals and container trains. Most of Seaboard's 120 units are still in service as of 2006. Conrail's units were all retired in 2000 and 2001. Notable exceptions among Conrail's units were CR 5045 and 5052, which were destroyed in the infamous wreck of the Colonial at Chase, Maryland, on January 4, 1987.

One of the Cotton Belt Railroad's B36-7s was damaged in a wreck within a year of delivery and rebuilt as a B unit. This engine did not receive a special model designation to indicate its cabless status. Railfans sometimes term it a B36-7(B).