GE "70-Tonner" Locomotives: Roster, Specs, Data Sheet
Last revised: January 2, 2025
By: Adam Burns
General Electric's 70-ton switcher is considered by many locomotive historians and enthusiasts as one of GE's masterpieces in terms of both engineering excellence and versatility.
Designed in the late 1940s, this compact locomotive swiftly became a valuable asset across a broad range of applications, its impact evident in the numerous industries it serviced over the subsequent four decades.
The model did not enjoy the 44-tonner's sales numbers but nevertheless sold more than 200 examples between 1946-1957. Today, several are preserved.
Photos
Belfast & Moosehead Lake 70-tonner #51 is seen here in Belfast, Maine on October 23, 1973. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.Background
In terms of design, the 70-tonner was constructed with a solid steel frame, meticulously engineered to cope with the heavy loads and turns often required in switching operations.
Unlike the earlier 44-tonner - intended for common-carrier service and specifically aimed to avoid the "90,000 Pound Rule" - the 70-tonner was design for light branch lines with restricted axle loadings where 100-120 ton conventional yard switchers could not roam.
It boasted an overall length of 37 feet, a width of 10 feet, and a height of 13 feet and 5 ½ inches, allowing the switcher to be nimble on tighter networks. With a fuel capacity of approximately 500 gallons and sporting GE's rugged model 748 traction motors, the switcher was a robust and enduring presence on the tracks.
The 70-tonners were equipped with a six-cylinder Cooper-Bessemer model FWL-6T prime mover, originally capable of 550 horsepower (later upgraded to 600 horsepower).
As Bob Hayden notes in his book, "Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia - Volume 2," this engine was the direct descendent of the sixteen-cylinder model 7FDL16 utilized in GE's first production road-switcher, the U25B.
For the time, the power plant showcased impressive torque and response, matched by its four-wheel, direct drive traction motors that ensured efficiency in power delivery.
From an operational perspective, the switcher demonstrated outstanding tractive effort due to its low axle load and high adhesion design. With a starting tractive effort of 41,700 lbs, it successfully catered to steep gradients and heavy loads without compromising performance.
The true value of the locomotive lay in its versatility. It was used primarily as a yard switcher in railroads across the United States and Canada, and in a variety of industries ranging from timber to mining, cement plants to steel mills.
Its reliability and resilient nature made it an ideal locomotive for these challenging environments and their demanding work schedules. However, as Jay Reed notes in his book, "Critters, Dinkys & Centercabs," in many ways the 70-tonner was GE's first locomotive designed for general road service as it was quite capable of short freight consists as well.
The switcher was produced mainly at the famous Erie, Pennsylvania manufacturing plant - over a period spanning 11 years a total of 239 units were built there for North American and Mexican customers.
For railfans and enthusiasts, the 70-tonner also offered a unique aesthetic presence. With its lean and compact body, front and back platforms, and distinctive livery options, it stood out from the often-crowded switchyards. It presented a simplified, purposeful design that was a departure from the larger and more complex locomotive designs of the era.
As the need for high-horsepower locomotives became increasingly prevalent in the 1970s, the prominence of the switcher slowly began to fade and production eventually ceased. Nonetheless, its lasting impact on the North American rail industry cannot be underestimated. This classic switcher has since found a new lease of life in museums and heritage railways across the continent.
Center Cabs
While the end cab 70-tonner is most widely known by enthusiasts, GE also produced a center-cab version, primarily between 1940-1942. These units sported a rather boxy appearance and lacked the beveled and rounded aesthetic touches the company would later apply to its switchers.
Reed notes the first unit built was powered by a Cummins HBIS engine capable of producing 400 horsepower. The next three examples utilized four Cummins HBI engines, paired side-by-side, and could produce 600 horsepower. The final seven units were equipped with two supercharged HBIS power plants and - once more - offered 400 horsepower.
Production Roster
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahnapee & Western | 600, 601 | 2 | 31727, 31728 | 1/1953 |
| Albany & Northern | 70 | 1 | 28562 | 11/1946 |
| American Agriculture Chemical Company (Agrico) | 4 | 1 | 30018 | 11/1948 |
| American Agriculture Chemical Company (Agrico) | 5 | 1 | 31279 | 2/1952 |
| Arkansas & Ozarks | 800, 900 | 2 | 30380, 30381 | 11/1949, 1/1950 |
| Ashley, Drew & Northern | 170 | 1 | 30016 | 7/1948 |
| Ashley, Drew & Northern | 171, 172 | 2 | 30023, 30024 | 9/1948 |
| Atlantic & Western | 100 | 1 | 30452 | 9/1950 |
| Baltimore & Annapolis | 50 | 1 | 30437 | 1/1950 |
| Barre & Chelsea | 12 | 1 | 28514 | 1/1947 |
| Barre & Chelsea | 13, 14 | 2 | 29087, 29088 | 9/1947 |
| Barre & Chelsea | 15 | 1 | 29298 | 3/1948 |
| Belfast & Moosehead Lake | 50, 51 | 2 | 28567, 28568 | 12/1946 |
| Belfast & Moosehead Lake | 52 | 1 | 30846 | 5/1951 |
| Berlin Mills | 15, 16 | 2 | 30032, 30033 | 12/1948, 1/1949 |
| Calumet & Hecla | 210 | 1 | 28566 | 12/1946 |
| Carolina Southern | 201 | 1 | 30839 | 1/1951 |
| Central California Traction | 30 | 1 | 28512 | 1/1947 |
| Central California Traction | 31, 32 | 2 | 29082, 29083 | 8/1947 |
| Cherry River Boom & Lumber | 1, 2 | 2 | 32278, 32279 | 12/1954, 1/1955 |
| Cherry River Boom & Lumber | 3 | 1 | 32682 | 11/1956 |
| Collins Pine Company (Amador Railroad) | 166 | 1 | 32296 | 6/1955 |
| Condon Kinzua & Southern | 104 | 1 | 30845 | 3/1951 |
| Detroit Steel | 113 | 1 | 32680 | 10/1956 |
| East Erie Commercial | 17, 18 | 2 | 30445, 30450 | 9/1950 |
| East Erie Commercial | 19 | 1 | 30451 | 10/1950 |
| East St. Louis Junction | 70-72 | 3 | 29302-29304 | 3/1948 |
| East St. Louis Junction | 73 | 1 | 30029 | 2/1949 |
| Fibreboard Products | 2 | 1 | 30025 | 2/1948 |
| Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern | 401 | 1 | 32207 | 12/1953 |
| Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern | 402 | 1 | 32134 | 2/1954 |
| Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern | 403 | 1 | 32282 | 6/1955 |
| Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern | 404-406 | 3 | 32307, 32303, 32305 | 9/1955 |
| Frankfort & Cincinnati | 100 | 1 | 28507 | 12/1946 |
| Frankfort & Cincinnati | 101 | 1 | 28513 | 5/1947 |
| Frankfort & Cincinnati | 102 | 1 | 29086 | 7/1947 |
| Georgia Northern | 71 | 1 | 28565 | 12/1946 |
| Georgia State Port Authority (Savannah State Docks) | 102 | 1 | 31725 | 4/1953 |
| General Electric (Demo) | 1 | 1 | 30448 | 7/1950 |
| General Electric (Demo) | 7001 | 1 | 28238 | 10/1946 |
| Grafton & Upton | 12 | 1 | 30021 | 8/1948 |
| Greenville & Northern | 70 | 1 | 30020 | 8/1948 |
| Greenville & Northern | 75 | 1 | 31173 | 11/1951 |
| Hampton & Branchville | 70 | 1 | 30841 | 1951 |
| Helena & Northwestern | 70 | 1 | 30446 | 6/1950 |
| High Point, Thomasville & Denton | 201-203 | 3 | 29465-29467 | 1/1948 |
| Humble Oil & Refining Company | 998 | 1 | 32201 | 6/1954 |
| Inspiration Consolidated Copper | 19 | 1 | 31723 | 12/1952 |
| Inspiration Consolidated Copper | 20, 21 | 2 | 31164, 31165 | 9/1951 |
| Jamestown, Westfield & Northwestern | 600, 700 | 2 | 29084, 29085 | 9/1947 |
| Kansas City Connecting | 13 | 1 | 32262 | 10/1954 |
| Kelly's Creek Railroad | 500, 501 | 2 | 30182, 30183 | 7/1949 |
| Kelly's Creek & Northwestern | 5 | 1 | 30384 | 11/1949 |
| Kelly's Creek & Northwestern | 7 | 1 | 30388 | 4/1950 |
| Kennecott Copper Corporation | 61-66 | 6 | 30374-30379 | 10/1949 |
| Kingan & Company | 5 | 1 | 30180 | 7/1949 |
| Klamath Northern | 205 | 1 | 32304 | 6/1955 |
| Lakeside & Marblehead | 10, 11 | 2 | 30174, 30175 | 6/1949 |
| Lancaster & Chester | 60-62 | 3 | 30455, 30456, 30458 | 10/1950 |
| Laurinburg & Southern | 101 | 1 | 29089 | 9/1947 |
| Laurinburg & Southern | 103 | 1 | 30837 | 1/1951 |
| Lehigh Portland Cement (Alsen, New York plant) | 1 | 1 | 32420 | 11/1955 |
| Lehigh Portland Cement (Security, Maryland plant) | 1 | 1 | 32507 | 3/1956 |
| Lehigh Portland Cement (Metaline Falls, Washington plant) | 1 | 1 | 32679 | 12/1956 |
| Live Oak Perry & Gulf | 300, 301 | 2 | 28563, 28564 | 11/1946 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 125 | 1 | 30017 | 7/1948 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 126 | 1 | 30385 | 11/1949 |
| Marianna & Blountstown | 75 | 1 | 29090 | 9/1947 |
| McCloud River Lumber | 1 | 1 | 32302 | 8/1955 |
| Meadow River Lumber | 8, 9 | 2 | 32815, 32816 | 1/1957 |
| Mississippi & Skuna Valley | 3 | 1 | 30840 | 1/51 |
| Mississippi Export | 46 | 1 | 28509 | 12/1946 |
| Mississippi Export | 48 | 1 | 31168 | 10/1951 |
| Mississippi Export | 50 | 1 | 31724 | 2/1953 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 1651 | 1 | 30030 | 1/1949 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 1652-1654 | 3 | 30434-30436 | 2/1950 |
| Modesto & Empire Traction | 600 | 1 | 29093 | 10/1947 |
| Modesto & Empire Traction | 601 | 1 | 30031 | 2/1949 |
| Modesto & Empire Traction | 602 | 1 | 31278 | 2/1952 |
| Muncie & Western | 8 | 1 | 28505 | 12/1946 |
| Norfolk Southern | 701-703 | 3 | 30013-30015 | 6/1948 |
| North Louisiana & Gulf | 101, 102 | 2 | 30382, 30390 | 1/1950 |
| North Louisiana & Gulf | 103 | 1 | 30457 | 9/1950 |
| North Louisiana & Gulf | 104 | 1 | 32131 | 1/1954 |
| Norwood & St. Lawrence | 10, 11 | 2 | 32567, 32568 | 4/1956 |
| Oliver Iron Mining | 1003 | 1 | 30383 | 11/1949 |
| Oliver Iron Mining | 1004, 1005 | 2 | 30438, 30439 | 3/1950 |
| Okmulgee Northern | 7 | 1 | 30453 | 8/1950 |
| Oregon Pacific & Eastern | 10 | 1 | 31284 | 3/1952 |
| Pecos Valley Southern | 7 | 1 | 30181 | 7/1949 |
| Pecos Valley Southern | 8 | 1 | 31729 | 1/1953 |
| Pere Marquette | 20-22 | 3 | 28506, 28508, 28510 | 12/1946 |
| Prescott & Northwestern | 23 | 1 | 32200 | 6/1954 |
| Rahway Valley | 16 | 1 | 30838 | 1/1951 |
| Rahway Valley | 17 | 1 | 32130 | 1/1954 |
| Rutland | 500 | 1 | 31175 | 12/1951 |
| Sacramento Northern | 201 | 1 | 32297 | 6/1955 |
| Sacramento Northern | 202 | 1 | 32595 | 7/1956 |
| St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County | 46-48 | 3 | 29297-29299 | 3/1948 |
| St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County | 49 | 1 | 30022 | 7/1948 |
| St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County | 50 | 1 | 30184 | 8/1949 |
| St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County | 51 | 1 | 30844 | 2/1951 |
| Sanford & Eastern | 9 | 1 | 30185 | 7/1949 |
| San Luis Central | 71 | 1 | 32280 | 1/55 |
| Santa Maria Valley | 10 | 1 | 30019 | 7/1948 |
| Santa Maria Valley | 20 | 1 | 30176 | 7/1949 |
| Santa Maria Valley | 30 | 1 | 30447 | 8/1950 |
| Santa Maria Valley | 40, 50 | 2 | 31282, 31283 | 3/1952 |
| Saratoga & Schuylerville | 11 | 1 | 28239 | 10/1946 |
| Sioux City Terminal | 1, 2 | 2 | 31169, 31170 | 10/1951 |
| Sioux City Terminal | 3 | 1 | 32510 | 3/1956 |
| South Georgia | 202 | 1 | 28569 | 12/1946 |
| Southern Pacific | 5100-5102 | 3 | 30034-30036 | 3/1949-4/1949 |
| Southern Pacific | 5103-5107 | 5 | 30166-30170 | 5/1949 |
| Southern Pacific | 5108, 5109 | 2 | 30171, 30172 | 6/1949 |
| Southern Pacific | 5110-5113 | 4 | 30430-30433 | 2/1950-3/1950 |
| Southern Pacific | 5115 | 1 | 30842 | 2/1951 |
| Southern Pacific | 5116-5118 | 3 | 31161-31163 | 9/1951 |
| Southern Pacific | 5119 | 1 | 32284 | 5/1955 |
| Southern Pacific | 5120 | 1 | 32421 | 12/1955 |
| Southwestern Portland Cement | 5 | 1 | 28511 | 2/1947 |
| Southwestern Portland Cement | 6 | 1 | 29469 | 3/1948 |
| Tallulah Falls | 501, 502 | 2 | 29475, 29476 | 3/1948 |
| Texas South-Eastern | 22 | 1 | 32569 | 5/1956 |
| Tidewater Southern | 141, 142 | 2 | 29468, 29470 | 1/1948 |
| Tidewater Southern | 143 | 1 | 31726 | 6/1953 |
| Timken Roller Bearing | 1450 | 1 | 30028 | 1/1947 |
| Timken Roller Bearing | 6319 | 1 | 30459 | 12/1950 |
| Unadilla Valley | 100, 200 | 2 | 29091, 29092 | 10/1947 |
| U.S. Gypsum | 501 | 1 | 32204 | 7/1954 |
| U.S. Potash (A1A-A1A Trucks, 36" Gauge) | 4 | 1 | 29296 | 3/1948 |
| U.S. Potash (A1A-A1A Trucks, 36" Gauge) | 5 | 1 | 30874 | 7/1952 |
| U.S. Potash (A1A-A1A Trucks, 36" Gauge) | 6 | 1 | 32573 | 5/1956 |
| Valdosta Southern | 655 | 1 | 32299 | 6/1955 |
| Valley & Siletz | 5, 7 | 2 | 32132, 32133 | 2/1954 |
| Valley & Siletz | 11 | 1 | 32283 | 3/1955 |
| Ventura County | 1 | 1 | 30027 | 12/1948 |
| Washington & Old Dominion | 56 | 1 | 31174 | 11/1951 |
| Washington & Old Dominion | 57 | 1 | 32509 | 3/1956 |
| Winchester & Western | 1952 | 1 | 31166 | 10/1951 |
| Winifrede | 11 | 1 | 32681 | 1/1957 |
Center Cab
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie-Illinois Steel (Gary Works) | 32-35 | 4 | 15673-15676 | 9/1942 |
| New York Central | 506 | 1 | 12592 | 7/1940 |
| New York Central | 507-513 | 7 | 15168-15174 | 10/1942-12/1942 |
| Steelton & Highspire | 30 | 1 | 13199 | 11/1941 |
| Steelton & Highspire | 35, 36 | 2 | 15017, 15018 | 10/1941 |
| U. S. Steel - Duquesne Works (36" Gauge) | 11 | 1 | 31052 | 1/1953 |
Canada
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia Electric Railway | 940-942 | 3 | 30371-30373 | 9/1949 |
| British Columbia Electric Railway | 943 | 1 | 30386 | 5/1950 |
| Canadian National | 7802-7819 | 18 | 30608-30625 | 3/1950-5/1950 |
| Grand Falls Central (42" Gauge) | 101-103 | 3 | 33257-33259 | 1/1958 |
| Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting | 1 | 1 | 32596 | 6/1956 |
| Pacific Great Eastern | 552, 553 | 2 | 30037, 30038 | 3/1949 |
| Pacific Great Eastern | 554, 555 | 2 | 30177, 30178 | 6/1949 |
| Pacific Great Eastern | 556, 557 | 2 | 30440, 30441 | 2/1950 |
| Quebec, North Shore & Labrador | 91 | 1 | 31171 | 10/1951 |
| Quebec, North Shore & Labrador | 92 | 1 | 31276 | 2/1952 |
| Spruce Falls Power & Paper | 106 | 1 | 30387 | 2/1950 |
| Spruce Falls Power & Paper | 107 | 1 | 32306 | 6/1955 |
| Thurso & Nation Valley | 5 | 1 | 28238 | 10/1946 |
| Thurso & Nation Valley | 7 | 1 | 30179 | 7/1949 |
Export
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F.C. Machacamarca-Unica (Meter Gauge) - Bolivia | 20, 21 | 2 | 29294, 29295 | 3/1948 |
| Cia Mogiana Estrada de Perro (C-C Trucks, Meter Gauge) - Brazil | 2000-2011 | 12 | 31233-31244 | 10/1952-12/1952 |
| E Ferro Santos a Jundiai (63" Gauge) - Brazil | 1-15 | 15 | 32742-32756 | 9/1956-10/1956 |
| Estrada de Ferro Sorocabana (Meter Gauge) - Brazil | 3101-3142 | 42 | 29140-29181 | 5/1947-11/1947 |
| Rede Viacao Parana-Sta-Catarina (Meter Gauge) - Brazil | 30 -33 | 4 | 29182-29185 | 6/1947 |
| Rede Viacao Parana-Sta-Catarina (Meter Gauge) - Brazil | 34-37 | 4 | 29290-29293 | 2/1948 |
| Central Cunagua (Cuba) | 4 | 1 | 33260 | 1/1958 |
| Central Cunagua (Cuba) | 4 (2nd) | 1 | 33419 | 10/1958 |
| Central Cunagua (Cuba) | 6, 8 (2nd) | 2 | 33417, 33418 | 9/1958-10/1958 |
| Central Punta Allegre (Cuba) | No Number | 1 | 31167 | 10/1951 |
| Central San Gorman (Cuba) | No Number | 1 | 31277 | 2/1952 |
| Consolidated Railway of Cuba | No Number | 1 | 31285 | 3/1952 |
| Consolidated Railway of Cuba | 500, 501 | 2 | 31721, 31720 | 10/1952 |
| Cuban Dominican Sales | 2 | 1 | 30843 | 2/1951 |
| Cuban Dominican Sales | 12 | 1 | 30026 | 12/1948 |
| Cuban Dominican Sales | 9-11, 13-17 | 8 | 32792-32799 | 2/1957-5/1957 |
| Cuban Dominican Sales | 18, 19 | 2 | 33255, 33256 | 11/1957 |
| Cubana, S.A. (Cuba) | No Number | 1 | 32422 | 2/1956 |
| Dominican Sugar (Central Palma) - Cuba | 3, 4 (2nd) | 2 | 33251, 33252 | 11/1957 |
| F.C. Cubano Hershey (Cuba) | 14, 15 | 2 | 31280, 31281 | 2/1952 |
| F.C. de Lumas (Cuba) | No Number | 1 | 32684 | 6/1957 |
| F.C. de Lumas (Cuba) | No Number | 1 | 32800 | 5/1957 |
| Francisco Sugar (Cuba) | No Number | 2 | 32677, 32678 | 10/1958 |
| General Sugar Estates (Cuba) | No Number | 1 | 32423 | 2/1956 |
| United Fruit Sugar Company (Central Boston) - Cuba | 121, 122 | 2 | 29173, 29174 | 2/1948 |
| United Fruit Sugar Company (Central Preston) - Cuba | 22, 23 (2nd) | 2 | 29471, 29472 | 1/1948 |
| West Indies Fruit & Steamship (Cuba) | No Number | 2 | 32683, 32685 | 11/1956, 2/1957 |
| Central Rio Haina - Dominican Republic | 2, 3 | 2 | 30449, 30454 | 9/1950 |
| Central Romana - Dominican Republic | 17 | 1 | 32202 | 6/1954 |
| Central Romana - Dominican Republic | 18 | 1 | 32261 | 10/1954 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Rio Haina) - Dominican Republic | 5 | 1 | 31722 | 10/1952 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Rio Haina) - Dominican Republic | 7 | 1 | 32419 | 11/1955 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Rio Haina) - Dominican Republic | 8 | 1 | 32506 | 2/1956 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Rio Haina) - Dominican Republic | 9, 10 | 2 | 32593, 32594 | 6/1956 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Rio Haina) - Dominican Republic | 10 (2nd) | 1 | 33421 | 10/1958 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Romana) - Dominican Republic | 15 | 1 | 29300 | 4/1948 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Romana) - Dominican Republic | 16 | 1 | 30389 | 11/1949 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Romana) - Dominican Republic | 17 - 19 | 3 | 32263 - 32265 | 10/1954-12/1954 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Romana) - Dominican Republic | 20 | 1 | 32686 | 1/1957 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Romana) - Dominican Republic | 21, 22 | 2 | 33253, 33254 | 12/1957 |
| South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (Central Romana) - Dominican Republic | 23 | 1 | 33422 | 11/1958 |
| Cementos Portland Del Bajio (Mexico) | 2 | 1 | 31172 | 11/1951 |
| Ingenio de Cristobal y Anexas S.A. (Mexico) | 302 | 1 | 32203 | 6/1954 |
| Ingenio de Cristobal y Anexas S.A. (Mexico) | 305 | 1 | 33423 | 12/1959 |
| Ingenio de Cristobal y Anexas S.A. (Mexico) | 306 | 1 | 33420 | 3/1959 |
| Petroleos Mexicanos PEMEX (Mexico) | 102 | 1 | 29301 | 4/1948 |
| Petroleos Mexicanos PEMEX (Mexico) | 107 | 1 | 30173 | 6/1949 |
| Terminal de Vera Cruz, S.A. (Mexico) | D50-D52 | 3 | 30010-30012 | 5/1949 |
| Unidos Nacional de Productores de Azucar (Mexico) | No Number | 1 | 32298 | 6/1955 |
| Unidos Nacional de Productores de Azucar (Mexico) | No Number | 1 | 32570 | 5/1956 |
| Philippine National Railways (42" Gauge) | 101-103 | 3 | 32288-32290 | 11-12/1954 |
| Philippine National Railways (42" Gauge) | 104 | 1 | 32801 | 4/1957 |
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 10/1946 (Demonstrator #7001) |
| Years Produced | 10/1946 - 12/1957 |
| Engine | FWL-6T |
| Engine Builder | Cooper-Bessemer |
| Horsepower | 550-600 |
| RPM | 1000 |
| Bore and Stroke | 9" x 10 ½" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Length | 37' 0" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 13' 5 ½" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 139,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 500 Gallons |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 14EL |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Welded |
| Truck Wheelbase | 6'48 10" |
| Wheel Size | 36" |
| Traction Motors | 733 (4), GE |
| Primary Generator | GT-571 (2) |
| Auxiliary Generator | GMG-146 |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 105:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 41,700 Lbs at 30% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 23,600 Lbs at 7 mph |
| Top Speed | 55 mph |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of the 70-tonner is one of uncomplicated but highly effective engineering, meeting the specific demands of the rail industry during a pivotal time in its history. It is a testament to the prowess of General Electric's locomotive division, a machine that was not just a product of its era, but one that actually helped to define it.
Balancing power, versatility, and simplicity, the switcher might not have been the flashiest locomotive of its time, but it certainly was one of the most important. Its enduring respect amongst the industry and enthusiasts alike is a testament to its significant legacy within the annals of North American railroading.
Sources
- Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
- General Electric, Apparatus Department. 380-HP, 44-Ton Diesel Electric Railroad Locomotive: For Yard Switching and Road Service. Schenectady: 1947.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Rail Heritage Publications. Early Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation, 1983.
- Reed, Jay. Critters, Dinkys & Centercabs. Whittier: Rio Hondo, 2000.
- Solomon, Brian. GE Locomotives: 110 Years Of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
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Sep 15, 26 12:17 AM
All-time Delaware & Hudson diesel roster—Alco S-2s through C-628s and PA-4s, GE U-boats, Baldwin RF-16s, EMD SD45s and GP38-2/GP39-2s. Serials, dates, dispositions. -
Granite Railway, Our Country's First Railroad
Sep 14, 26 11:28 PM
Granite Railway of Quincy, Massachusetts—chartered March 4, 1826, opened October 7, 1826. Gridley Bryant, 5-foot gauge, horses, Bunker Hill Monument stone. First commercial U.S. railroad. -
Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounges: History, Specs & Floor Plans
Sep 14, 26 11:09 PM
Milwaukee Road Skytop observation cars—Brooks Stevens, 1948. Four Rapids parlor-lounges from Milwaukee Shops, six Creek sleeper-lounges from Pullman-Standard. Floor plans, roster, preservation. -
West Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 14, 26 11:02 PM
2026 West Virginia Christmas trains—Potomac Eagle North Pole Express in Romney and Christmas at Cass. Not Polar Express. Elkins Polar is not listed for 2026. -
Railroads Of Today: Class I Map, PSR & the 2026 Industry
Sep 14, 26 10:30 PM
U.S. freight rail in 2026—six Class I railroads on a nearly 140,000-mile network. PSR as everyday practice, how the STB works, traffic mix, short lines and regionals. -
Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Facts & How the Network Was Built
Sep 14, 26 10:03 PM
Full U.S. railroad history hub—origins and inventors, Golden Age peak mileage, Civil War and transcontinental, streamliners, ICC regulation, Penn Central and Conrail, Staggers Act, PSR, and today’s Cl… -
Railroads In The 2020s: CPKC, East Palestine & the UP–NS Case
Sep 14, 26 09:51 PM
U.S. railroads 2020–2026—Class I mileage 91,773 in 2020. COVID traffic drop, CPKC April 14 2023, East Palestine Feb. 3 2023, UP–NS $85 billion case still before the STB. -
Railroads In The 2010s: PSR, Coal’s Decline & Positive Train Control
Sep 14, 26 03:51 PM
U.S. railroads 2010–2020—Class I mileage 95,573 to 91,773. Buffett closed BNSF Feb. 12 2010, Harrison at CP June 29 2012 and CSX 2017, PTC deadline Dec. 31 2018. -
Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 14, 26 03:46 PM
2026 Virginia Christmas trains—Virginia Scenic Railway Santa Express from Staunton, about 60 minutes. Confirm dates. Not Polar Express. -
MARC Train: Maryland Commuter Rail History, Lines & Roster
Sep 14, 26 01:16 PM
MARC Train history—Maryland Rail Commuter 1984, B&O and PRR corridors, Penn/Camden/Brunswick lines, Silver Spring 1996, all-time locomotive roster. -
Railroads In The 2000s: Merger Freeze, Wisconsin Central & Buffett
Sep 13, 26 07:57 AM
U.S. railroads 2000–2010—Class I mileage 99,250 to 95,573. STB merger freeze March 17 2000, CN–WC Oct. 9 2001, BNSF Railway Jan. 24 2005, Buffett Nov. 3 2009. -
Railroads In The 1990s: Mega-Mergers, Conrail’s Split & the STB
Sep 13, 26 12:13 AM
U.S. railroads 1990–2000—Class I mileage 119,758 to 99,250. BNSF Sept. 22 1995, UP–SP Sept. 11 1996, Conrail split June 1 1999, ICC Termination Dec. 29 1995. -
Railroads In The 1980s: Staggers, Mega-Mergers & Conrail’s IPO
Sep 12, 26 11:12 PM
U.S. railroads 1980–1990—Class I mileage 164,822 to 119,758. Staggers Oct. 14 1980, CSX and Norfolk Southern, UP–Missouri Pacific–Western Pacific, Conrail IPO March 26 1987. -
Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s: History, Roster & Specifications
Sep 12, 26 11:01 PM
Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s—Baldwin 1930–31, twenty-five engines 2900–2924. Fast freight, complete roster, specifications. None preserved. -
Staggers Rail Act of 1980: Statute, Contract Rates & the ICC
Sep 10, 26 11:23 PM
Staggers Rail Act, Pub. L. 96-448, signed October 14, 1980. Harley Staggers, S.1946, contract rates, 180% variable-cost test, abandonments, short lines. -
Rock Island E8A 652: Bicentennial Independence Paint & History
Sep 10, 26 10:42 PM
Rock Island E8A 652—EMD March 1952, serial 15199. 20th Century Railroad Club Independence bicentennial scheme, Peoria and Quad Cities Rockets, Midland Railway, Manly Junction Museum. -
Vermont Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 10:37 PM
2026 Vermont Christmas trains—Okemo Valley Holiday Express from Chester Depot Dec. 19–20. Polar is Burlington Dec. 5–6 only. -
Railroads In The 1970s: Penn Central, Amtrak & Conrail
Sep 10, 26 10:18 AM
U.S. railroads 1970–1980—196,479 miles at the decade’s start. Penn Central bankruptcy June 21 1970, Amtrak May 1 1971, 3R/4R Acts, Conrail April 1 1976, Rock Island 1975, Milwaukee 1977. -
Railroads In The 1960s: Mergers, Passenger Collapse & Penn Central
Sep 10, 26 10:03 AM
U.S. railroads 1960–1970—207,334 to 196,479 miles. Erie Lackawanna 1960, C&O–B&O 1963, N&W–Nickel Plate 1964, SCL 1967, Penn Central Feb. 1 1968. -
South Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 08:36 AM
2026 South Carolina Christmas trains—South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train in Winnsboro. Confirm December dates. Not Polar Express. Drop light-festival padding. -
Steam Locomotive Feedwater Heaters: Elesco, Coffin & Worthington
Sep 10, 26 08:29 AM
Steam locomotive feedwater heaters—open Worthington vs closed Elesco and Coffin. How they work, how to identify them on a smokebox, and why not every engine had one. -
Oregon Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 08:22 AM
2026 Oregon Christmas trains—Portland Holiday Express, Garibaldi Candy Cane Express, Sumpter Valley Christmas Trains Dec. 11–13. Polar is Mount Hood. -
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 10, 26 08:12 AM
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway—Erie & Kalamazoo 1833, Michigan Southern to Chicago 1852, LS&MS April 6 1869, Vanderbilt, Ashtabula 1876, NYC merger Dec. 22 1914. 1910 map and Official Guide. -
Big Four Route (CCC&StL): Map, History
Sep 10, 26 12:19 AM
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway—Bee Line 1868, Ingalls’s first Big Four 1880, CCC&StL June 30, 1889, NYC lease Feb. 1, 1930. 1910 and 1930 maps, what still runs. -
Railroads In The 1950s: Diesel, the Interstate & Passenger Collapse
Sep 10, 26 12:15 AM
U.S. railroads 1950–1960—223,779 to 211,459 miles. Interstate June 29, 1956, dieselization, passenger collapse, TOFC, 1957–58 recession, NYO&W 1957, N&W–Virginian 1959. -
New Jersey Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 12:06 AM
2026 New Jersey Christmas trains—Black River & Western Santa Express from Flemington and Pine Creek Christmas trains in Wall Township. Polar is Whippany and Phillipsburg. -
New Mexico Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 11:57 PM
2026 New Mexico Christmas trains—Cumbres & Toltec Santa’s Holiday Express from Chama Dec. 5–6 (and Antonito, Colo., Dec. 12–13). Coach $25/$15. Not Polar Express. -
Grand Trunk Railway: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 09, 26 11:47 PM
Grand Trunk Railway of Canada—charter Nov. 10, 1852, Montreal–Toronto 1856, Portland, Sarnia, Victoria Bridge, St. Clair Tunnel 1891, Great Western 1882, GTPR, CN Jan. 20, 1923. 1893 map and Official… -
Troop Trains In World War II: Sleepers, Kitchen Cars & Movements
Sep 09, 26 11:42 PM
WWII U.S. troop trains—almost 44 million armed-services passengers, Pullman troop sleepers, ACF kitchen cars, hospital trains, monthly movement tables 1942–45. Not the Military Railway Service. ODT an… -
Railroads In The 1940s: War Traffic, Last Steam & the Diesel Flood
Sep 09, 26 11:37 PM
U.S. railroads 1940–1950—233,670 to 223,779 miles. World War II as the decade’s center, last new steam, diesel flood after V-J Day, 1945 car orders, California Zephyr 1949. -
Railroads In World War II: ODT, Record Traffic & Private Operation
Sep 09, 26 03:00 PM
U.S. railroads in World War II—Lend-Lease freight, Pearl Harbor, Office of Defense Transportation, 1944 peak ~740 billion ton-miles, Dec. 1943–Jan. 1944 seizure. Private operation, not a USRA sequel. -
Montana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 02:54 PM
2026 Montana Christmas trains—Charlie Russell Chew Choo North Pole Adventure from Hanover/Lewistown, Nov. 27–Dec. 19, $71, about 1.5 hours. Not Polar Express. -
Railroads In The 1930s: Depression, Streamliners & the FT
Sep 09, 26 09:32 AM
U.S. railroads 1930–1940—249,052 to 233,670 miles. Section 77, Eastman, Motor Carrier Act, M-10000 and Pioneer Zephyr 1934, EMC FT 1939. Decade frame, not the streamliner encyclopedia. -
Sugar Cane Train (Lahaina): LK&P History, Roster & 2026 End
Sep 09, 26 08:19 AM
Lahaina, Kaanapali & Pacific Sugar Cane Train—3-foot tourist line 1970–2014. Anaka, Myrtle, 2023 and 2025 fires, September 2026 scrapping. Roster, Hahakea trestle, Pioneer Mill corridor. -
Massachusetts Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 08:16 AM
2026 Massachusetts Christmas trains—Shelburne Falls Moonlight Magic Friday Nov. 27; Edaville Festival of Lights in Carver. Polar is Cape Cod Central in Buzzards Bay.
