The GE Dash 8 Series

It’s interesting, though, that despite its relative new status General Electric has in some shape or form been a part of the diesel locomotive market basically since its inception. GE actually has the distinction of having developed the first commercial diesel-electric and helped supply the prime movers to the early box-cab designs in the 1920s in cooperation with Ingersoll-Rand and the American Locomotive Company (Alco). GE and Alco would be partners for years through the early 1950s when Alco began to switch its production line entirely from steam locomotives to diesels with GE supplying prime movers.

During this time GE also became marginally successful in the diesel switcher market by producing lightweight and maneuverable little switcher locomotives that could be used in industrial service and over branch lines (which contained sharp curves and light rail) the most successful of which was its 44-tonner model (this model also had the advantage of being operated by only a single crewman because of its light weight, a cost-saving advantage). The success of these locomotives in terms of their construction is still evident today as some are still in operation on shortlines, tourist lines and industrial service.

The GE Dash 8 series followed the Dash 7s in the mid-1980s, and outwardly and visually was quite similar to the latter model. The most dramatic difference in the two line’s are the upgraded computer systems in the Dash 8s, which included new revolutionary computer-control systems now so common on today’s newest locomotives. These systems featured such things as managing wheel slippage and other components, which thus allowed GE to takeover first place in the market from EMD, a position it has held ever since.

The GE Dash 8 series also saw the widespread use of the new wide-nosed safety cab, which took the place of the traditional standard-cab on locomotives, and is now federally mandated on all new locomotives for added safety. Beginning with the C40-8 the locomotive has done quite well, especially with the wide-nosed cab version, which became available in 1989, two years following the debut of the model in 1987 (its success is also due to its six-axles, which causes less rail-wear than its sister “B” Dash 8 models of the four-axle, B-B variety). Combined the two cab designs for the Dash 8s sold roughly 1,500 units.

While no longer in production the series has done quite well for GE as the manufacturer continues to push the envelope on new locomotive development. Today the company is heavily focused on reducing emissions and recently debuted its Evolution Series™ locomotive (which replaced its Dash 8 and 9 models), designed to capture exerted energy (the locomotive’s exhaust) and reuse it in an attempt to burn less fuel.

Today, GE Dash 8 series units can routinely be seen roaming across the country in all types of freight service, much of this due to the unit having at least 4,000 horsepower allowing it to be used for everything from coal drags to expedited intermodal trains. While most units are of the wide-nosed cab variety, Norfolk Southern carries the largest fleet of standard cabs, which can be found on many more models than just its Dash 8s.

For more information on the GE "Dash 8" series consider the book The American Diesel Locomotive from author Brian Solomon. The book studies everything from classic to newer diesel locomotive models. In all the book is a great resource and you shouldn’t be disappointed with it, not to mention that it is loaded with photos (many in color)!