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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EMD "SDP35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:32 PM
EMD SDP35, the steam-generator SD35. 35 locomotives, July 1964 through September 1965. Seaboard Air Line 1100-1119, Atlantic Coast Line 550, Louisville and Nashville 1700-1703, Union Pacific 1400-1409… -
RJ Corman Will Be Replaced on Part of the Luzerne Lines
Nov 06, 26 01:34 PM
A November 6, 2026 notice says Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway would acquire about 59.65 miles in Luzerne County and replace R.J. Corman as operator on part of the line. The earliest date is November 22… -
NS Names a Student Hub at the University of Georgia
Nov 06, 26 12:03 PM
Norfolk Southern said a 100,000 dollar gift named a student-organization hub in Driftmier Engineering Center. The University of Georgia marked the naming on October 26. The space is for 23 clubs. -
Union Pacific Filed Its Vena Recording Certification
Nov 06, 26 11:56 AM
Union Pacific filed a November 5, 2026 verified statement that the confidential label is off the March 17 Vena recording and that parties of record received a copy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. -
OmniTRAX Adds Tenants at Its Blue Island Hub
Nov 06, 26 10:26 AM
OmniTRAX has signed new construction-company leases at its 90-acre Blue Island, Illinois, hub and is planning a second phase. -
Veterans and Active-Duty Members Exceed 16 Percent of Norfolk Southern
Nov 06, 26 10:14 AM
Norfolk Southern said on November 5, 2026, that more than 3,000 veterans and active-duty service members are more than 16 percent of its workforce. This year grants are $100,000 and $50,000. -
BNSF: Merger Would Put Half of U.S. Rail Shipments Under One Railroad
Nov 06, 26 10:00 AM
BNSF chief marketing officer Tom G. Williams told customers on November 3, 2026, that a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put about half of U.S. rail shipments under one railroad. Nothing is… -
Amtrak Opens a Winter Fare Sale
Nov 06, 26 09:28 AM
Amtrak opened a Winter Wanderlust sale on November 5, 2026. Book by November 12 for travel from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027. Blackout dates apply. Coach and Acela Business only. -
CN and CPKC Report October Grain Records
Nov 06, 26 08:50 AM
CPKC reported October 2026 grain records in Canada and the United States. CN reported 3.54 million metric tonnes across Canada. The releases do not print a combined total. -
New Brunswick Transload Gets CN Rail Service
Nov 06, 26 08:49 AM
CN said on November 4, 2026, that it has started serving AD Gagnon Transload Services near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The site is three kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway and lists room for 106… -
Together, Freight and Passenger Rail Can Grow, Union Pacific Says
Nov 06, 26 08:47 AM
Union Pacific said on November 5, 2026, that passenger obligations would remain if it combines with Norfolk Southern. The capacity claim is a Union Pacific analysis, not a Surface Transportation Board… -
FM "C-Liner" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Nov 05, 26 11:19 PM
Fairbanks-Morse Consolidation Line cab units, the C-Liners. 165 locomotives, Beloit and Kingston, March 1950 through February 1955. Models, specs, and production rosters. -
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast Railroad: Map, History, Roster
Nov 05, 26 12:03 PM
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast, from Brunswick and Waycross to Atlanta and Birmingham. Atlantic Coast Line control at the close of 1926. Merged in January 1946 as the Western Division. Steam roster of th… -
El Paso & Southwestern Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 05, 26 12:00 PM
The El Paso & Southwestern, the Phelps Dodge copper railroad from Tucson to the Rock Island at Tucumcari. Southern Pacific control on October 31, 1924. -
Brightline Says Orlando Service Has Resumed
Nov 05, 26 11:55 AM
Brightline said on November 5, 2026, that trains to and from Orlando have resumed after weather suspensions in Brevard County. Later that morning the departures page still showed the Orlando segment s… -
Metra Customers Must Sign Up Again
Nov 05, 26 11:43 AM
Metra says customers who want service alerts must sign up again at metratracker.com. The November 2 story says the new system has launched and the old email list is shut down. A notice on the same pag… -
Norfolk Southern Packs Six Projects Into One Window
Nov 05, 26 11:38 AM
Norfolk Southern used one 26-hour window on the W Line for six projects in Indiana and Kentucky, including three bridge replacements. The October 27 account does not give the calendar day of the work. -
CSX: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 11:29 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a CSX petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant the waive… -
Brightline Expects Orlando Service on Thursday
Nov 05, 26 09:21 AM
Brightline said on November 4, 2026, that it expects trains to and from Orlando to resume on Thursday, November 5. South Florida stations kept running. The departures page still showed the Orlando seg… -
Union Pacific: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 09:15 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a Union Pacific petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant… -
Wisconsin Opens Comments on the 2027 Freight Plan
Nov 05, 26 09:03 AM
WisDOT opened the draft 2027 State Freight Plan for comment through December 1, 2026. The plan covers freight rail with highways, harbors, aviation, and intermodal links. Completion is expected in sum… -
U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 3.5 Percent in the Week Ending October 31
Nov 05, 26 08:52 AM
U.S. railroads moved 514,080 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 31, 2026, up 3.5 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said on November 4. -
Muni and Bay Area Transit Measures Pass
Nov 05, 26 08:49 AM
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said on November 4, 2026 that Proposition H and a regional transit measure passed. Proposition H is about 160 million dollars a year for Muni. The regiona… -
Ground Rules Set for Responsive Applications
Nov 05, 26 08:47 AM
Decision No. 46, served November 4, 2026, denies a request to add Walsenburg to the Union Pacific interchange list and sets what CPKC and CN must include in responsive applications. Four CPKC proposal… -
Video of the Vena Address Must Be Released
Nov 05, 26 08:42 AM
The Surface Transportation Board on November 4, 2026 denied the Union Pacific appeal and ordered the March 17 shipper-conference recording released to the parties by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on November 5. C… -
Chicago & North Western Iron Ore C628s
Nov 04, 26 11:47 PM
Chicago and North Western C628s 6701-6730, the ex-Norfolk and Western high-hoods, in Upper Peninsula iron-ore service from the mid-1970s until December 21, 1986, and what happened to each unit. -
Warrenton Railroad: Serving Warrenton, NC (1884-1985)
Nov 04, 26 10:33 PM
The three-mile Warrenton Railroad, from Warren Plains to the North Carolina county seat. Chartered January 28, 1871. First train November 8, 1884. Closed in 1985. -
Rio Grande Steam Locomotives (Since 1900)
Nov 04, 26 11:40 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western steam locomotives built since 1900. Standard gauge quantity 435 and narrow gauge 48. Challengers, 2-8-8-2s, Mountains, Northerns, and the K-27, K-28, K-36, and K-37. -
Rio Grande Diesel Locomotives (All-Time)
Nov 04, 26 11:39 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western diesel locomotives, each frame once. 554 units, from the 1941 NW2 through the 1990 GP60s. FT, F3, F7, and F9 sets are not counted again under their 1950 numbers. -
Rio Grande Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters
Nov 04, 26 11:34 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western history, from William Jackson Palmer and the October 27, 1870 charter through the Royal Gorge, the Moffat route, the California Zephyr, and Union Pacific common control… -
Lindblom Gift Expands the Fort Wayne Restoration Shop
Nov 04, 26 11:14 AM
Art Lindblom gave the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society more than $1.4 million, its largest single gift, to expand the New Haven shop. The addition is planned for late 2026 and early 2027. A sepa… -
Design Contract Awarded for the Forest Park Branch
Nov 04, 26 11:09 AM
The Chicago Transit Board approved a design contract for about 13 miles of Blue Line track from the Illinois Medical District to the I-290 Bridge. The release summary calls it a $17 million contract… -
Kanawha River Railroad: The Norfolk Southern Lease Is Renewed
Nov 04, 26 10:51 AM
Kanawha River Railroad filed to keep leasing 309.45 miles from Norfolk Southern in West Virginia and Ohio. The second amendment is dated August 17, 2026. The Board has not set the date the exemption t…
