GE "U18B" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History
Last revised: January 2, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The U18B was a late model design the company marketed as a secondary, light branch service locomotive. While GE did sell more than
150 U18Bs, overall it was not extremely successful.
By the 1970s, railroads had lost interest in specialized, non-switcher designs. To make matters worse, the U18B drew complaints of being under-powered and suffering reliability issues.
In addition, crews stated the locomotive featured a notoriously rough ride. It was the Seaboard Coast Line that wound up acquiring the most "Baby Boats," purchasing 105 between 1973-1974.
The Maine Central picked up 10, the Providence & Worcester a single unit, and Texas Utilities two units.
Interestingly, Mexico's large Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (NdeM) also acquired a large batch of 45 units. Today, you can still find a handful in operation in the United States, notably at short line Pickens Railway in South Carolina.
Photos
Maine Central U18Bs #403 and #404 are seen here in service at Northern Maine Junction on September 23, 1978. Warren Calloway photo.Overview
The U18B was a late addition to the Universal line, beginning production in March, 1973. It was equipped with GE's standard 4-cycle, 7FDL prime mover that could produce 1,800 horsepower.
The Maine Central was not the largest buyer of the U18B but its fleet was particularly interesting. As Brian Solomon notes in his book, "GE Locomotives," the railroad acquired the model to replace its old Alco road-switchers (RS2, RS3, and RS11).
Since the locomotives were completed just prior to the nation's Bicentennial (1976) they were listed as part of MEC's "Independence Class."
The units were painted in yellow paint with green pinstriping and featured a massive eagle adorning the nose. In addition, the railroad named each unit after a notable person or location involved in the Revolutionary War.
The MEC primarily assigned its U18B's to the legendary Mountain Division between Portland, Maine and St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
The remained in use for more than 25 years and some even made it into successor Guilford paint, as illustrated in the above photo.
General Electric offered the U18B with either General Steel Castings' (GSC) swing bolster, drop-side equalizer (AAR Type B) or GE's own FB2 trucks.
In addition, Seaboard Coast Line had units #325-392 equipped with refurbished Blomberg trucks from trade-in EMD units.
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 12/1973 (Seaboard Coast Line #250) |
| Years Produced | 12/1973 - 10/1976 |
| GE Class | U18B |
| Engine | 7FDL (8 cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | General Electric |
| Horsepower | 1800 |
| RPM | 1050 |
| Length | 54' 8" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 14 1/2" |
| Width | 10' 3" |
| Weight | 220,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,200 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | 3CDC (Westinghouse) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26NL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (GSC) or FB2 (GE) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 3" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | 752-E6 (4), GE |
| Traction Generator | GT581, GE |
| Auxiliary Generator | GY27, GE |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | Optional |
| Gear Ratio | 74:18 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 70,000 Lbs |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 57,500 Lbs at 10.7 mph |
| Top Speed | 70 mph |
The SCL was quite fond of the U18B, which replaced its aging fleet of RS2's and RS3's. They were primarily used in branch and light duty service all across the railroad's network.
In addition, three units #390-392, were assigned to phosphate service in Florida according to Greg McDonnell's book, "U-Boats."
Production Roster
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaboard Coast Line | 300-309 | 38847-38856 | 2801 | 3/1973 - 5/1973 | 10 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 310-324 | 38857-38871 | 2802 | 3/1973 - 5/1973 | 15 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 325-343 | 39388-39406 | 2807 | 11/1973 - 12/1973 | 19 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 250-261 | 39407-39418 | 2807 | 12/1973 | 12 |
| Texas Utilities | 101-102 | 39506-39507 | 2826 | 2/1974 | 2 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (NdeM) | 9000-9011 | 39641-39652 | 2810 | 1/1974 - 2/1974 | 12 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (NdeM) | 9012-9019 | 39653-39660 | 2810 | 3/1974 - 4/1974 | 7 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (NdeM) | 9020-9037 | 39661-39678 | 2810 | 7/1974 - 9/1974 | 18 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (NdeM) | 9038-9044 | 39679-39685 | 2810 | 10/1974 | 7 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 344-392 | 39852-39900 | 2900 | 8/1974 - 11/1974 | 49 |
| Maine Central | 400 ("General Henry Knox") | 40720 | 2824 | 5/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 401 ("Hannah Weston") | 40721 | 2824 | 5/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 402 ("General John Stark") | 40722 | 2824 | 5/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 403 ("Peleg Wadsworth") | 40723 | 2824 | 5/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 404 ("Kenneth Roberts") | 40724 | 2824 | 5/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 405 ("Arundel") | 40725 | 2824 | 6/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 406 ("Colonel John Allan") | 40726 | 2824 | 6/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 407 ("Unity") | 40727 | 2824 | 6/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 408 ("Battle of the Bagaduce") | 40728 | 2824 | 6/1975 | 1 |
| Maine Central | 409 ("Ethan Allen") | 40729 | 2824 | 6/1975 | 1 |
| Providence & Worcester | 1810 | 41482 | 1408-1 | 10/1976 | 1 |
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- McDonnell, Greg. U-boats. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing, 1994.
- Marre, Louis A. and Pinkepank, Jerry A. Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide, The: A Comprehensive Reference Manual To Locomotives Since 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1989.
- Solomon, Brian. GE Locomotives: 110 Years Of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
A Maine Central freight, led by U18B #408 (named the "Battle of the Bagaduce"), rolls through Brunswick, Maine during the summer of 1976. Randy Kotuby photo.Production on the U18B had ended by October, 1976. Apparently, the unsuccessful nature of the model convinced General Electric to scrap any plans to released a follow-up.
This unit would have been known as the B18-7 as part of the company's new "Dash 7" series (offering new electronics among other features).
Today, again, you can find a handful of U18Bs still in operation on short lines although there are none known to be preserved.
Recent Articles
-
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:37 PM
Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog—year-round summit trains with late September–mid-October aspen color. ~3-hour RT from Manitou Springs. Book cograilway.com. -
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Fall Colors Trains (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:28 PM
Named Fall Colors trains from Osceola, WI through the St. Croix River Valley—~90 minutes, weekends mid-Sept through late Oct. Book trainride.org. -
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:18 PM
Elbe–Mineral steam excursions through Cascade foothill forests—~75-minute scenic trains into autumn. Adults from ~$34. Book mtrainierrailroad.com. -
Conway Scenic Pumpkin Patch Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 11:01 PM
Conway Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express—North Conway to White Mountain Cider Co. / Glen area pumpkin pick, family October special, 2026 booking tips. -
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 10:46 PM
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains—Ringoes/Flemington family pumpkin package, steam #60 when rostered, maze and wagon activities, 2026 booking tips. -
Halloween Train Rides (2026): Pumpkin Patch, Haunted & Spooky Trips
Aug 14, 26 10:02 PM
2026 Halloween train rides—pumpkin patch trains, haunted excursions, and family fall specials at tourist railroads across the U.S. National hub with state directory and planning tips. -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 09:35 PM
Vermont tourist trains—Green Mountain Railroad / Champlain Valley Dinner Train, Shelburne Museum context, foliage and lake-country planning. 2026 guide. -
Virginia Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 08:04 PM
Virginia tourist trains and rail museums—Virginia Scenic Railway, Buckingham Branch context, VMT Roanoke, C&O Heritage Center, O. Winston Link Museum. 2026 planning guide. -
Scenic Train Rides (USA 2026): State Guide to Tourist Railroads
Aug 14, 26 07:44 PM
Find scenic and tourist train rides in every U.S. state—heritage railroads, steam excursions, dinner trains, and fall foliage. National hub with history, what to expect, and state-by-state guides. -
Rhode Island Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 07:01 PM
Rhode Island tourist trains—Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and the Rhode Island Railroad Museum. 2026 Ocean State guide. -
Commuter Rail (USA): Definition, History & Systems Directory
Aug 14, 26 06:36 PM
American commuter rail—private suburban trains to public agencies (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Metra, Metrolink, and more). History, vs light rail, and a national systems directory. -
New Jersey Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 06:23 PM
New Jersey tourist trains—Black River & Western, Woodstown Central, Cape May Seashore Lines, Delaware River Railroad, Pine Creek, Whippany. 2026 guide. -
Rail Tours (USA & Canada): Luxury Trains, Cruise Trains & History
Aug 14, 26 06:11 PM
North American rail tours explained—luxury multi-day trains vs Amtrak packages vs tourist excursions. Rocky Mountaineer, Chepe Express, historic AOE, New River Train, and directory of AR profiles. -
Massachusetts Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 04:23 PM
Massachusetts tourist trains—Cape Cod Central, Berkshire Scenic, Edaville, Shelburne Falls Trolley. 2026 Bay State scenic and heritage guide. -
Amtrak Unique Trainsets: TurboTrain, Turboliner, Metroliner & More
Aug 14, 26 03:44 PM
Amtrak’s distinctive trainsets—United Aircraft TurboTrain, French RTG and Rohr RTL Turboliners, German ICE and Swedish X2000 tests, and Budd Metroliners on the Northeast Corridor. -
Amtrak Locomotive Roster: Historical & Current Power
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Amtrak motive power—heritage E/F/SDP40F/F40/Genesis roster research plus mid-2020s ALC-42 Chargers, state SC-44s, ACS-64 electrics, NextGen Acela, and Airo ALC-42E dual-modes. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides From Essex
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Virginia Dinner Train Rides From Staunton
Aug 14, 26 01:41 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Discontinued Amtrak Trains: Lost Named Services & Routes
Aug 14, 26 01:25 PM
List of discontinued Amtrak and Amtrak-era named trains—Broadway Limited, Floridian, Pioneer, Desert Wind, Metroliners, North Coast Hiawatha, and dozens more with route and date notes. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides From The MRM
Aug 14, 26 01:11 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Georgia Dinner Train Rides From Nashville
Aug 14, 26 01:05 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Amtrak Ridership by Year (1971–2025): Passengers, Miles & Revenue
Aug 14, 26 01:03 PM
Amtrak fiscal-year ridership tables 1971–2019 from American-Rails.com research, plus FY2024–FY2025 record years from Amtrak public reports. -
Amtrak (USA): History, Routes, Ridership, Fleet & The National Network
Aug 14, 26 12:21 PM
Amtrak history and network—Railpax 1970, May 1 1971 startup, Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, ridership through FY2025 records, Superliners to NextGen Acela and Airo, ALC-42s, and route di… -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides Departing From Bardstown
Aug 14, 26 11:10 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Railroad Infrastructure (USA): Track, Bridges, Signals, Yards, History
Aug 14, 26 10:54 AM
American railroad infrastructure—what it means (track, ballast, ties, bridges, tunnels, signals, yards, towers), T-rail and standard gauge roots, and a full directory of fixed-plant topics. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams
Aug 14, 26 10:48 AM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Equipment: Machines, Track Work, History
Aug 14, 26 12:22 AM
Railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW)—section gangs to mechanized track work: ballast, tampers, undercutters, Jordan spreaders, spike machines, Sperry defect cars, and a full equipment directory. -
Railroad Freight Cars (USA): Types, History, AAR Codes, Modern Designs
Aug 14, 26 12:10 AM
American freight cars—from Granite Railway tram flats and B&O gondolas to boxcars, hoppers, tanks, reefers, autoracks, well cars, AAR type codes, and a full car-type directory. -
Maine Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 12:03 AM
Maine train rides offers the public incredible views of the state's back country with experiences including narrow-gauge operations, trolleys, and more. -
Passenger Train Cars (USA): Types, History, Pullman & Streamliners
Aug 13, 26 11:53 PM
American passenger cars—from stagecoach-style coaches and B&O’s Imlay cars to Pullman sleepers and diners, heavyweights, air-conditioning, streamliners, and a full type directory (coach, dome, RPO… -
Electric Locomotives (USA): History, Models & Preservation
Aug 13, 26 10:41 PM
American electric locomotives—from B&O’s 1895 Belt Line and Sprague’s streetcars to PRR GG1s, Milwaukee Little Joes, Virginian rectifiers, NEC power, and a roster of preserved classic motors. -
Steam Locomotive Terms & Definitions: Glossary of Parts, Types & Talk
Aug 13, 26 09:14 PM
Steam locomotive glossary—articulated, Mallet, superheater, feedwater heater, cab-forward, camelback, Shay/Heisler/Climax, duplex-drive, pop valve, quartered drivers, and more shop and type terms used… -
Steam Locomotives (USA): History, Types, Whyte Notation & Builders
Aug 13, 26 08:47 PM
American steam locomotives—from Trevithick and Stephenson to Tom Thumb, Super Power Berkshires, Big Boys and Challengers, How steam works, Whyte types, Baldwin/Alco/Lima, dieselization, and living ste… -
Locomotive History (USA): Steam, Electric & Diesel Power
Aug 13, 26 04:50 PM
How American trains are powered—steam, electric, and diesel-electric locomotives from Tom Thumb and Stourbridge Lion through B&O’s Howard Street motors, EMD FT, and today’s Progress Rail &am… -
Interurbans & Streetcars (USA): Definition, History & State Guides
Aug 13, 26 04:09 PM
American interurbans and trolleys—what an interurban was, peak ~15,580 miles (1916), Hilton & Due, Midwest epicenter, decline, survivors (South Shore, Iowa Traction), and links to state traction h… -
Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 03:09 PM
Maryland tourist trains—Western Maryland Scenic, Walkersville Southern, B&O Railroad Museum, streetcar museums. 2026 mountains-to-Baltimore guide. -
Streamliners (USA): History, Famous Trains & Why They Mattered
Aug 13, 26 02:51 PM
American railroad streamliners—UP M-10000, Burlington Pioneer Zephyr, Hiawatha, Super Chief, California Zephyr, Art Deco design, diesel power, and the decline into Amtrak. Full named-train directory. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides From Owosso
Aug 13, 26 02:28 PM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides From Duluth
Aug 13, 26 01:02 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Delaware Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:58 PM
Delaware tourist trains—Wilmington & Western Railroad steam and specials in the Red Clay Valley. 2026 planning guide. -
Connecticut Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:42 PM
Connecticut tourist trains—Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Naugatuck Railroad, Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Shore Line Trolley. 2026 planning guide. -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides From Spencer
Aug 13, 26 12:15 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
West Virginia Railroads: History, Map, Coal Lines & Today’s Network
Aug 13, 26 12:09 PM
West Virginia railroad history—B&O, C&O, N&W, Virginian, Western Maryland; coal and logging heritage; abandonments; CSX, Norfolk Southern, short lines; Amtrak Cardinal; Cass and mountain tourist train… -
Railroad Bridges (USA): History, Types, Trusses & Famous Spans
Aug 13, 26 11:51 AM
History of American railroad bridges—from stone viaducts and wooden trestles to Howe, Pratt, and Warren trusses, plate girders, movable spans, and landmarks still carrying freights and Amtrak today. -
California Dinner Train Rides From Sacramento
Aug 13, 26 11:47 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides From Woodstown
Aug 13, 26 11:42 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR
Aug 13, 26 11:38 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides From Boone
Aug 13, 26 11:07 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum… -
Railroad Landmarks (USA): Famous Bridges, Tunnels, Passes & Grades
Aug 13, 26 11:04 AM
U.S. railroad landmarks hub—Horseshoe Curve, Tehachapi Loop, Hoosac and Moffat tunnels, Starrucca and Thomas viaducts, mountain passes, cutoffs, and railfan hot spots. Engineering feats still carrying… -
Indiana Dinner Train Rides From Jasper
Aug 13, 26 10:00 AM
In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the Spirit of Jasper offers one of those rare attractions that feels equal parts throwback and treat-yourself night out: a classic excursion train paired with…
%2C%20rolls%20through%20Brunswick%2C%20Maine%20during%20the%20summer%20of%201976.%20Randy%20Kotuby%20photo.){kind=link}