GE "U30B" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History
Last revised: January 10, 2025
By: Adam Burns
In many ways, the U30B was a milestone locomotive, allowing General Electric to finally offer a 3,000 horsepower road-switcher under a single hood.
During the horsepower race of the 1960's, all three builders worked towards, and finally achieved, a 3,000 horsepower variant.
The U30B witnessed modest sales (295 units) as the industry began recognizing the benefits of six-motored, high-horsepower locomotives.
GE locomotives continued to grow in popularity thanks to the builder's dedication to its product. However, most crews never liked the U-boat, complaining of their rough ride and reliability.
The U30B featured a number of upgrades during its production run, a trait that continued throughout the Universal line and into the later "Dash 7" line.
Today, there are at least two U30Bs preserved; Burlington Northern #5789 at the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society in Ohio and Western Pacific #751 at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California.
Photos
A group of new Western Pacific U30B's, just a little over a month old, layover at the Rio Grande's Roper Yard in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 27, 1967. C.G. Heimerdinger, Jr. photo. Author's collection.Overview
The U30B began production in May, 1966. General Electric's introduction of its 3,000 horsepower road-switcher was largely without fanfare.
As Greg McDonnell notes in his book "U-boats," demonstrators #301-304 rolled out of Erie, Pennsylvania quietly that spring and began testing on the New York Central.
There were almost no noteworthy features on the locomotives to distinguish them from any other U-boat; they were adorned in a solid black scheme with a small GE logo under the cab window.
Milwaukee Road U30B's #6006 and #6004 are serviced at the engine terminal in Bensenville, Illinois in April, 1968. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.The U30B also represented General Electric's efforts to play catchup as Alco and Electro-Motive had already released their own 3,000 horsepower units.
In his book, "GE Locomotives," Brian Solomon notes how GE was able to finally achieve a stand-alone 3,000 horsepower road-switcher; the AC-DC transmission system.
The company's 7FDL16 prime mover was already capable of producing the needed horsepower. The problem was in transferring this power to the traction motors and axles where it could be utilized.
Milwaukee Road U30B #6005 leads a long freight westbound/northbound over the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern diamonds at Rondout, Illinois during June, 1968. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.Solomon notes: "The new system used an alternator rather than a generator and employed silicon diodes to rectify alternating current to the direct current needed by traction motors.
This reduced the number of components, decreased maintenance, and, most significantly, allowed for higher output to traction motors."
Reception
For General Electric the soft sales of the four-axle U30B, and particularly with the two latter models (the U33B and U36B), was a sign that B-B main line locomotives were losing demand within the industry.
Understanding this, General Electric instead began to focus more heavily on six-axle designs by the early 1970s.
Its late model C-Cs like the U30C, U33C, and U36C sold quite well for the company as more than 1,000 were produced. It was just a start but soon EMD would have serious competition by the early 1980s.
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 5/1966 (GE Demonstrators #301-302) |
| Years Produced | 5/1966 - 3/1975 |
| GE Class | U30B |
| Engine | 7FDL16 (16 cylinder) |
| Engine Builder | General Electric |
| Horsepower | 3000 |
| RPM | 1050 |
| Length | 60' 2" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 14' 9" |
| Width | 9' 11" |
| Weight | 254,800 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,700 or 2,900 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | 3CDC (Westinghouse) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26NL (Westinghouse) |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (GSC) or Floating Bolster FB2 (GE) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | 752 (4), GE |
| Traction Alternator | GTA-11AC, 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) | 64,000 Lbs at 10.7 mph |
| Top Speed | 70 mph |
Production Roster
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Electric (Demonstrator) | 301-302* | 35880-35881 | 9005 | 5/1966 | 2 |
| General Electric (Demonstrator) | 303-304** | 35935-35936 | 1424 | 6/1966 | 2 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 800-814*** | 36121-36135 | 1548 | 12/1966-1/1967 | 15 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 975-978 | 36144-36147 | 1546 | 1/1967 | 4 |
| Illinois Central | 5000-5005 | 36200-36205 | 1554 | 2/1967-3/1967 | 6 |
| New York Central | 2830-2839 | 36246-36255 | 1552 | 11/1966-2/1967 | 10 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1930-1944**** | 36256-36270 | 1555 | 3/1967-5/1967 | 15 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1945-1956**** | 36326-36337 | 1573 | 6/1967 | 12 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1962-1964**** | 36338-36340 | 1573 | 7/1967 | 3 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1960-1961**** | 36341-36342 | 1573 | 7/1967 | 2 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1957-1959**** | 36343-36345 | 1573 | 7/1967 | 3 |
| New York Central | 2840-2857 | 36379-36396 | 1575 | 7/1967-9/1967 | 18 |
| New York Central | 2860-2889 | 36411-36440 | 1577/1588 | 7/1967-9/1967 | 30 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 2505-2509 | 36443-36447 | 1589 | 11/1967 | 5 |
| Milwaukee Road | 6009 | 36449 | 1584 | 1/1968 | 1 |
| Western Pacific***** | 751-755 | 36451-36455 | 1587 | 9/1967 | 5 |
| Milwaukee Road | 6005-6008 | 36500-36503 | 1584 | 1/1968 | 4 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 150-154 | 36520-36524 | 1583 | 1/1968 | 5 |
| Western Pacific***** | 756-759 | 36833-36836 | 1404 | 9/1968 | 4 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 832-835 | 36850-36853 | 1406 | 10/1968-11/1968 | 4 |
| Western Pacific***** | 760-769 | 36998-36707 | 1435 | 4/1969-5/1969 | 10 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 836-843 | 37164-37171 | 1453 | 8/1969-9/1969 | 8 |
| Norfolk & Western | 8465-8514*** | 37441-37490 | 1454 | 8/1970-1/1971 | 50 |
| Norfolk & Western | 8515-8539*** | 37747-37771 | 1462 | 5/1971-11/1971 | 25 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 8200-8209 | 38218-38227 | 1471 | 12/1971-1/1972 | 10 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 8210-8222 | 38475-38487 | 1482 | 11/1972-12/1972 | 13 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 854-857 | 39901-39904 | 1435 | 8/1974-9/1974 | 4 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 844-853 | 39928-39937 | 2578 | 5/1973 | 10 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 8225-8234****** | 40068-40077 | 1446 | 12/1974 | 10 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 858-862 | 40257-40261 | 1471 | 3/1975 | 5 |
* Became Chesapeake & Ohio #8223-8224.
** Became Western Pacific #770-771; equipped with Blomberg trucks.
*** Equipped with Blomberg trucks from trade-in F3's.
**** Equipped with a high, short hood.
***** Equipped with Blomberg trucks.
****** Equipped with General Electric's new floating bolster "FB2" truck, released in 1974.
XR Series
During the course of production the U30B enjoyed several improvements, most notably the rear radiator whereby GE began "flaring" the compartment a few inches wider than the carbody.
This became a notable trait of GE locomotives that carries on today under GE successor Wabtec Freight. The U30B was also the first too feature GE's new "XR Series" of 1972, which stood for Extra Reliability.
The series featured more than 50 upgrades to the U-boat line such as improved wiring, insulation, wheel slip controls, and more. There were even a few locomotives to sport a special "XR" livery including Louisville & Nashville U30C #1409 and St. Louis-San Francisco U30B #846.
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- McDonnell, Greg. U-boats. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing, 1994.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Solomon, Brian. GE Locomotives: 110 Years Of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
Recent Articles
-
The "Flexi-Van": NYC's Revolutionary TOFC Service
Aug 11, 26 10:10 PM
The so-called "Flexi-Van" was New York Central's trademark service. While far ahead of its time the railroad failed to lure the industry as a whole. It had died out by the Penn Central era. -
New York Central Railroad: Map, History, & The Water Level Route
Aug 11, 26 08:35 PM
The New York Central, known as the "Water Level Route," was pieced together by Cornelius Vanderbilt and battled rival Pennsylvania for generations. -
Alco C430 (Century 430): Specs, Production Roster & History
Aug 11, 26 05:55 PM
The C430 sold very poorly for the builder. Read about who purchased them and those that remain preserved today. -
American Orient Express: History, Tours, Cost & Equipment
Aug 11, 26 03:43 PM
The American Orient Express was an ultra-luxurious private passenger train that operated from 1994 until 2008 in conjunction with Amtrak. It featured different routes for maximum scenic views; unfortu… -
Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 Switchers: Specs, Production Roster & History
Aug 11, 26 03:10 PM
The DS-4-4-1000 was one of the Baldwin's most successful diesel models it every produced, replacing the earlier VO-1000 in 1946. -
B&O Color Position Light (CPL) Signals: History, How They Work, Legacy
Aug 11, 26 02:48 PM
The CPL was Baltimore & Ohio's custom designed trackside signals used throughout its network. Today, few of remain under CSX. -
Gandy Dancer: The Track Maintenance Worker
Aug 11, 26 02:33 PM
The gandy dancer was a slang term used to describe section gangs, railroad men who performed the physical task of the tracks maintained. -
North Carolina -- Dinner Train -- Rides At Spencer
Aug 11, 26 01:39 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… -
New York -- Dinner Train -- Rides In The Adirondacks
Aug 11, 26 01:30 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
Wellington Avalanche (1910): Great Northern Disaster at Stevens Pass
Aug 11, 26 01:15 PM
The Wellington Avalanche was the deadliest such disasters in the U.S. and one of the worst railroad accidents of all time resulting in 96 deaths in 1910. -
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom
Aug 11, 26 01:12 PM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
New Hampshire Dinner Train Rides At North Conway
Aug 11, 26 01:07 PM
Tucked into the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of New England’s most beloved heritage railways. -
Ashtabula Bridge Disaster (1876): The Pacific Express & Truss Collapse
Aug 11, 26 01:05 PM
On the night of Friday, December 29, 1876, in a howling Lake Erie blizzard, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway’s westbound Pacific Express approached the iron bridge over the Ashtabula River… -
Pole Lines In Railroading: Emergence, Purpose, Decline
Aug 11, 26 12:17 PM
Pole lines were once a common sight along railroad rights-of-way serving a multitude of functions, from carrying telephone lines to signaling code. -
The Angola Horror: The 1867 Train Wreck That Shocked the Nation
Aug 11, 26 11:58 AM
The "Angola Horror" was a horrific train accident along the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern that occurred in 1867 when a passenger car derailed at a bridge in Angola, New York and killed 49 passengers. -
Kentucky -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:49 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Texas -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:16 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New Mexico -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:10 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Ohio -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 10:56 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 10:43 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Famous Railroad Landmarks in the United States
Aug 11, 26 12:45 AM
If you have ever wondered about some of the most well known railroad landmarks around the country you can read about them here. -
Diesel Locomotives Of The 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and Today
Aug 11, 26 12:35 AM
Read about the history of diesel locomotives, how they function and operate, and the dozens of different models built by the five major manufacturers. -
Heber Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 11, 26 12:22 AM
The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets year-round scenic products with a clear seasonal split: the Lakeside Limited is the fall/winter reservoir-side scenic, while the Deer Creek Expres… -
Black Hills Central 1880 Train Fall Foliage Ride (2026)
Aug 11, 26 12:14 AM
The Black Hills Central Railroad—marketed as the 1880 Train—is the primary fall foliage rail excursion offering in South Dakota. -
New Haven’s Roger Williams Streamliner: History, Specs & Legacy
Aug 10, 26 11:07 PM
The Roger Williams, built by the Budd Company in 1956 and delivered for 1956–57 service, was a complete six-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) derived from Budd’s hugely successful Rail Diesel Car (RDC) p… -
Railroad Tycoons List (USA): Men Of The Gilded Age (1800s)
Aug 10, 26 05:54 PM
Railroad tycoons, moguls, and barons were titans of 19th and early 20th century American commerce who laid the foundation of the modern industry we know today. -
Fallen Flags: The Classic American Railroad
Aug 10, 26 04:42 PM
Featured here are detailed histories of more than 100 classic railroads, or "fallen flags," from the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad to the small Monon. -
Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition
Aug 10, 26 04:18 PM
Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here. -
Steam Locomotives (USA): Invention, History, Types
Aug 10, 26 04:08 PM
The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today. -
Streamliners (Trains): History, Timetables, Schedules
Aug 10, 26 03:45 PM
Read about many of the most well known streamliners here and why the period of the 1930s to 1960s is often considered the "Silver Age" of rail travel. -
Michigan -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:35 PM
While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history. -
Wisconsin -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:11 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Florida -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:00 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
New York -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 12:16 PM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 12:02 PM
A Florida train rides guide, including all known railroad museums to visit within the state. Learn more about them here. -
Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:53 AM
There is no better way to experience the Great Lakes State's countryside than on the railroad. Michigan train rides offer visitors much to experience. -
Ohio Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:05 AM
Most of the Ohio train rides available to the public are small in nature. However, the state is home to the very popular Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Byesville Scenic, and Hocking Valley Scenic. -
New York Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:03 AM
New York scenic train rides offer about everything you can imagine from steam locomotives to long dinner train rides. -
California -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 10:40 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Vermont -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 09:57 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Short Line Railroads (Class 3): List, Revenue, Definition
Aug 10, 26 09:02 AM
A close-up look at several Class III railroads, or "short lines." These systems are in vastly greater numbers today as Class Is continue to shed trackage. -
Class 2 "Regional" Railroads: Definition, List, Statistics
Aug 10, 26 12:21 AM
Class II railroads, also referred to as "regionals," are the second-largest such companies within the industry. The information here covers most of these lines. -
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): History, Network, Overview
Aug 10, 26 12:00 AM
The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Railway is a new Class I carrier in 2021 resulting from the Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Southern merger. Learn more here. -
Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview
Aug 09, 26 10:57 PM
In railroad jargon, Class 1 refers to the largest companies in the industry and all six in North America are highlighted here. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 03:02 PM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado is a year-round scenic dining railroad whose fall value is the canyon itself: roughly a two-hour out-and-back through the Royal Gorge with granit… -
Huckleberry Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:35 PM
The Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village (Genesee County Parks, near Flint, Michigan) is a family autumn destination: three-foot-gauge steam (when scheduled) looping wooded Genesee County countr… -
French Lick Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:17 PM
The French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, Indiana is the southern Indiana foliage train to watch: scenic excursions of about 90 minutes through hills and forests, departing the historic 1907 lime… -
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West.
