GN W-1

Great Northern W-1
Type and origin
Power type Electric
Builder GE Erie Works
Serial number 28448, 28449
Build date 1947
Total produced 2
Specifications
Configuration 4-8-8-4
AAR wheel arr. B-D+D-B
UIC classification (Bo′Do′)(Do′Bo′)
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter 42 in (1.1 m)
Minimum curve 17 degrees (locomotive only)
10 degrees (with train)
Length 101 ft (31 m)
Height 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m)
Weight on drivers 720,000 lb (330 t)
Locomotive weight 720,000 lb (330 t)
Electric system(s) 11 kV, 25 Hz AC
Current collection
method		 Pantograph
Traction motors 12 GE 746 of 420 hp (310 kW)
Transmission AC Synchronous motors (2×),
DC Generators (4×),
DC traction motors (12×)
Performance figures
Maximum speed 65 mph (105 km/h)
Power output 5,000 hp (3,700 kW)
Tractive effort 119,000 lbf (530 kN)
Train heating None
Locomotive brake Air/Regenerative
Train brakes Air
Career
Operator(s) Great Northern Railway
Class W-1
Number in class 2
Number(s) 5018, 5019
Delivered 1947
Retired 1956
Scrapped 1968, 1959
Disposition 5018 sold to Union Pacific, 1960
5019 Scrapped 1959

The Great Northern Railway's class W-1 comprised two electric locomotives with AAR B-D+D-B wheel arrangements. The locomotives were used on the 73-mile (117 km) electrified portion of the railroad, from Wenatchee, Washington to Skykomish, Washington, including the Cascade Tunnel.

The 5,000 horsepower (3.7 MW) W-1 motor-generator locomotives were built at General Electric's Erie works in 1947. Numbered 5018 and 5019, they were the largest single-unit electric locomotives used in North America.

The 5018 and 5019 were retired in 1956, with the 5019 scrapped in 1959. The 5018 was sold to the Union Pacific, who used its body and running gear as part of an unsuccessful experimental coal burning gas turbine-electric locomotive #80.

References