GE E25B

The GE E25B is a class of four-axle 4,000 hp (3.0 MW) B-B electric locomotives made by GE Transportation Systems (GE) in 1976–77. Only seven units were built, all for use by Texas Utilities on two short industrial freight lines.

GE E25B
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderGeneral Electric
Build date1976–1977
Total produced7
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length64 ft 2 in (19.56 m)
Height16 ft (4.88 m)
Loco weight280,000 lb (130,000 kg)
Electric system/s25 kV 60 Hz AC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction motors4 × GE 752V
Performance figures
Maximum speed70 mph (113 km/h)
Power output4,000 hp (3.0 MW)
Career
OperatorsTexas Utilities
First runOctober 8, 1976
[1][2]

Design

Similar to the more powerful E60, the E25B was designed for use hauling coal between mines and power plants on industrial short lines. It was designed for operation on 25kV AC at 60 Hz at up to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h), though normal use was half that speed.[3][1] It was lighter and less powerful than the E60: 4,000 hp (3.0 MW) on four axles versus 6,000 hp (4.5 MW) on six, and at 280,000 lb (130,000 kg) around two-thirds its weight.[1]

Operation

The seven E25B locomotives built were all used by Texas Utilities on the Martin Lake Line (serving Martin Lake Power Plant) and the Monticello Line (serving Monticello Steam Electric Station). Electrification was activated on the Monticello Line on October 7, 1976, with service beginning the next day.[1] The Martin Lake Line began operation in 1977, with two its locomotives delivered later.[3][1][2] The four locomotives at Martin Lake ran in shuttle service between a mine and the power plant; those at Monticello ran a shuttle service to a mine in Winfield and also interchanged with the mainline at Leesburg.[3] Trains ran in push-pull configuration, with a small caboose cab mounted on a flatcar at the opposite end of the train from the locomotive.[1]

The E25B locomotives were replaced in 1999 by ex-Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México E60 locomotives.

References
  1. Metz, Jim (January 1977). "Railway Electrification – Texas Style" (PDF). Headlights. Vol. 2 no. 1. Electric Railroader's Association. pp. 4–5.
  2. Clarke, John M. (November 1980). RAILROAD ELECTRIFICATION ACTIVITY IN NORTH AMERICA - A STATUS REPORT: 1976-1978 (PDF) (Report). Federal Railroad Administration. p. 16.
  3. "Giant Electric Trains Using Coal For 'Power'". Longview News-Journal. May 10, 1977. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.

Further reading
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