GE C39-8

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GE C39-8
GE C39-8
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder GE Transportation Systems
Model C39-8
Build date 1983 – 1987
AAR wheel arr. C-C
Gauge 4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Prime mover 7FDL-16
Locale United States

The GE C39-8 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems between 1984 and 1987. 161 examples of this locomotive were built for two North American railroads: Conrail and Norfolk Southern Railway.

[edit] Technical

The C39-8 is powered by a 3900 horsepower 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 wheels which allowed the C39-8 a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).

Depending on customer options, the C39-8 carried between 3900 to 4500 US gallons (14,763L to 17,034L) of diesel fuel, 360 to 400 US gal (1,362 to 1,514 L) of lubricating oil, and 380 to 420 gallons (1,438 to 1,589 L) 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 at 10.8 MPH.

[edit] Original owners

GE C39-8 owners
Railroad Quantity Road numbers Notes
Norfolk Southern 114 8550-8663 8550,8551 former GE demonstrators set up for short hood forward operation, 8552-8663 set up for long hood forward operation, most units have been retired.
Norfolk Southern 25 8664-8688 "C39-8E (Enhanced) built in carbody similar to GE C40-8 all still in service with NS
Conrail 22 6000-6021 After the Conrail split in 1999, 13 units went to Norfolk Southern to become NS 8200-8212 and are still in service, 9 units went to CSX to become CSXT 7480-7488 and have since been retired.
CSXT 7484, formerly Conrail 6009
CSXT 7484, formerly Conrail 6009

[edit] References