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The GE C39-8

The GE C39-8 was the builder's first, six-axle "Dash 8" model it introduced in early 1984. While only a few Class I railroads ultimately purchased the C39-8, with GE altogether selling less than 200 units, future "Dash 8" models like the C40-8 and C40-8W proved to be some of GE's most successful designs up to that time. And it would the six-axle locomotives that would propel and keep General Electric in first place ahead of GM's Electro-Motive Division as future models like the C40-9W, C44-9W, and AC4400CW would sell thousands upon thousands of examples. The C39-8s largest buyer was Norfolk Southern although Conrail also would be a few models (NS also purchased a variant of the design). However, the Class I retired its fleet in 2008 and those purchased by now-fallen flag Conrail have likewise been retired by NS and CSX Transportation. Today, you can still find C39-8s in service on smaller roads although most of the original fleet is now operating in South America.

The GE C39-8 was essentially the six-axle equivalent of the four-axle, B39-8. Both featured nearly identical, updated carbody styling with a longer nose and crisper lines that featured less beveling than earlier models, like the Universal series. Perhaps the most noticeable exterior difference with the C39-8 (and all "Dash 8s") was the roughly 10-foot "bulge" directly behind the cab that gave the roof-line a very irregular shape. This new featured simply housed the dynamic brakes with the radiators located in the rear of the carbody. From a historical standpoint the C39-8 was also one of the last models General Electric offered in the standard cab setup as FRA mandates required that the wide-nose, "Safety Cab" be applied to all future locomotives by the early 1990s.

For Norfolk Southern this was an issue only insomuch as the railroad preferred the standard cab believing it offered crews better visibility (which could certainly not be argued). The railroad also ordered the C40-9 model with a standard cab but after the mandate went into affect was forced to purchase them with wide cabs. In any event, the GE C39-8 featured the builder's standard four-cycle model 16FDL prime mover, which could produce 3,900 horsepower with a continuous tractive effort of 92,750 pounds at 25% adhesion (its starting tractive effort was a solid 106,790 pounds) using the company's efficient and rugged model 752 traction motors. The C39-8 was also one of the first to be equipped with the relatively new high-adhesion (or HT-C) truck, which helped to improve wheel-to-rail contact. The GE C39-8 held the same meaning behind its designation as earlier models. For instance, the "C" referred to the unit having a C-C truck setup (three axles per truck) while the "39" referred to it having 3,900 horsepower. The "8" reference simply meant it was a model of GE's "Dash 8" series.

Production of the GE C39-8 began in the spring of 1984 with Norfolk Southern and Conrail being the only railroads purchasing the model. The first two orders included 114 for NS and 22 for Conrail, the only models the latter railroad would purchase. However, in March of 1987 NS returned for an additional order of 25 C39-8Es, with the "E" designation meaning "Enhanced", as the the design's carbody was modeled after the later C40-8. Despite the fact that the locomotive has since been retired from Norfolk Southern and CSX you can still find it in service on the Seminole Gulf Railway as well as foreign line Ferrocaril Central Andino in Peru (this railroad operates the most).

Additionally, National Salvage and Service Corporation of Georgia purchased a few examples of the model although what their plans are for theirs is unknown. For a total production roster of GE C39-8s please click here. Also, for technical information regarding the locomotive please click here. Lastly, for more information about the C39-8 and all of the builder's "Dash 8" models please refer to the chart below.

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GE "Dash 8" Series

Model Type	Units Built	Date Built	Horsepower
B32-8	49	1984-1989	3,150
B32-8W	1 (Demonstrator)	1989	3,150
B36-8	1 (Demonstrator)	1982	3,600
B39-8	146	1984-1987	3,900
B40-8	150	1988-1989	4,000
B40-8W	84	1988-1990	4,000
C32-8	10	1984	3,200
C39-8	161	1983-1987	3,900
C40-8	585	1988-1992	4,000
C40-8W	900	1990-1994	4,000
C40-8M	84	1990-1994	4,000
C41-8W	154	1993-1994	4,135
C44-8W	53 (Built for CSX)	1993-1994	4,400

For more information on early General Electric diesel locomotives consider Mike Schafer’s Vintage Diesel Locomotives, which looks at virtually all of the classic builders and models from Alco PAs to early EMD Geeps. If you’re interested in classic GEs, or diesels in general, this book gives an excellent general history of both.

You may also want to consider the book Evolution of the American Diesel Locomotive by author J. Parker Lamb. As the title implies the book looks at the history and development of the diesel locomotives, covering 200 pages, from its earliest beginnings to the newest designs and models operated today. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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