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 05, 26 11:24 AM
2026 New York Christmas trains—Arcade & Attica North Pole Express, Adirondack Christmas Train and Thendara Santa Train, Delaware & Ulster Santa’s Silver Sleigh. Polar is Medina, North Fork, Ut… -
Railroads In The 1820s/1830s: Firsts, Mileage & Founding Era
Sep 05, 26 10:54 AM
U.S. railroads 1820s–1830s—Granite Railway 1826, B&O common carrier, Stourbridge Lion, Tom Thumb, Best Friend, 2,808 miles by 1840. Firsts, facts, photos. -
Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Facts & How the Network Was Built
Sep 05, 26 12:50 AM
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… -
Grif Teller: Biography, PRR Calendar Art & Legacy
Sep 05, 26 12:39 AM
Griffith Harold “Grif” Teller (1899–1993)—Osborne Company artist who painted 27 of 33 Pennsylvania Railroad wall calendars, 1928–42 and 1947–58. Biography, titles, four paintings. -
O. Winston Link: Biography, N&W Night Photos & Sound Recordings
Sep 05, 26 12:21 AM
O. Winston Link (1914–2001)—Brooklyn engineer-photographer who documented Norfolk & Western’s last steam, 1955–60, at night, with sound. Hotshot Eastbound, LPs, Roanoke museum. Biography. -
Poughkeepsie Bridge: Railroad History, 1974 Fire & Walkway
Sep 05, 26 12:04 AM
Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge—first train Dec. 29, 1888, Maybrook freight gateway, May 8, 1974 fire, Walkway Over the Hudson Oct. 3, 2009. Not a New England landmark. Specs, photos. -
C&O/Chessie 18742: Huntington's Battery Shop Switcher
Sep 04, 26 11:20 PM
C&O/Chessie/CSX 18742: GE 1917 15-ton battery shop switcher at Huntington, W.Va. One locomotive, not a fleet. Newport News E-6, X-5000, Chessie paint. -
Central New England Railway: Map, Poughkeepsie Bridge Route & History
Sep 04, 26 10:43 PM
Central New England Railway—Connecticut Western, Hartford & Connecticut Western, Poughkeepsie Bridge, Reading’s PR&NE, New Haven control 1904, merger 1927. Map, 1891 timetable, what still runs. -
The Erie War (1868): Vanderbilt, Gould, Drew & Fisk
Sep 04, 26 10:26 PM
The Erie War of 1868—Cornelius Vanderbilt vs. Daniel Drew, Jay Gould, and Jim Fisk for the Erie Railway. Convertible bonds, Jersey City, Albany bribery, July 1868 settlement. Not Black Friday. -
New York & New England Railroad: Map, Ghost Train, History
Sep 04, 26 05:33 PM
New York & New England Railroad—Boston, Hartford & Erie, inland Boston–Hudson main, Beacon car float, White Train / Ghost Train, 1893 bankruptcy, New Haven lease 1898. Map and 1893 timetables. -
Railroad Glossary: Terms, Slang, Definitions & Meanings
Sep 04, 26 05:17 PM
American railroad glossary—highball, FRED, Class I, trackage rights, and operations slang—plus a directory of specialized glossaries and term articles on American-Rails.com. -
Indiana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 04, 26 05:08 PM
2026 Indiana Christmas trains—Nickel Plate Express Reindeer Express in Noblesville (from Nov. 14). Whitewater Valley is not running due to severe flooding. -
Georgia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 04, 26 02:26 PM
This article highlights those organizations offering Christmas-themed train rides in Georgia. -
Illinois Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 04, 26 02:14 PM
2026 Illinois Christmas trains—IRM Happy Holiday Railway in Union (Nov. 27–Dec. 21) and Fox River Santa’s Trolley Express in South Elgin. Polar is Monticello. -
4-8-4 "Northern" Steam Locomotives: History & Survivors
Sep 04, 26 01:54 PM
4-8-4 Northern history—Northern Pacific’s 1926 Class A, Super Power dual-service steam, railroad nicknames, surviving U.S. examples, and which Northerns still run in 2026. -
Railroad Stations & Depots: History, Architecture & Famous Terminals
Sep 04, 26 10:29 AM
American railroad stations—depot vs terminal, B&O’s 1830 Ellicott City, ~80,000 buildings at peak, Penn Station’s 1963 demolition, Grand Central saved. Directory of famous terminals on American-Ra… -
Colorado Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 04, 26 10:07 AM
2026 Colorado Christmas trains—Georgetown Loop Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure and Lighted Forest (Nov. 6–Dec. 24), Royal Gorge Santa Express (Nov. 19–Dec. 30). Polar is Durango and Golden. -
Railroads By State: History, Maps & Firsts
Sep 04, 26 09:53 AM
All 50 U.S. state railroad histories—firsts, 1916 peak of 254,037 miles, today’s ~140,000-mile freight network. Directory of state guides from Alabama to Wyoming. -
Logging Railroads In The USA: History, States & Last Lines
Sep 04, 26 09:25 AM
American logging railroads—private woods roads and tap lines, Shay/Climax/Heisler, last U.S. line (Simpson 2015), last in North America (Englewood 2017). State guides as they are written. -
Chicago, West Pullman & Southern Railroad: History & Diesel Roster
Sep 03, 26 11:46 PM
CWP&S, International Harvester’s South Side switching road between Wisconsin Steel and the West Pullman plants. Complete diesel roster, known steam, 1900–1996. Became Chicago Rail Link. -
Washington Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 11:28 PM
2026 Washington Christmas trains—Mt. Rainier Christmas with the Clauses in Elbe (Nov. 21–Dec. 23), plus Snoqualmie Santa Train and Chelatchie Prairie tree trains. Polar is Chehalis. -
Utah Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 11:26 PM
2026 Utah Christmas trains—Heber Valley Railroad North Pole Express in Heber City, Nov. 19–Dec. 30, ~90 minutes. Coach from $70 adult. Not Polar Express. -
Tennessee Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 11:25 PM
2026 Tennessee Christmas trains—TVRM North Pole Limited in Chattanooga, TCRM Santa Express in Nashville, Three Rivers Rambler Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville. Not Polar Express. -
Nevada Chirstmas Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 11:24 PM
Nevada is historically important as part of the western leg of the Transcontinental Railroad. Today, a handful of museums and heritage railroads can be found in the state and a few host Christmas-them… -
Railroad Museums In The USA (2026): State Guides & Collections
Sep 03, 26 10:25 PM
U.S. railroad museums—what they are vs tourist railroads, preservation history (R&LHS, NRHS, IRM, Steamtown), state guides, and destination collections. Confirm hours on each museum’s site. -
Narrow Gauge Railroads (USA): History, Mileage & Lines
Sep 03, 26 02:39 PM
American narrow-gauge railroads—3-foot fever, Hilton’s 11,699 miles in 1885, Denver & Rio Grande, Maine two-footers, survivors you can still ride. History and a growing company list. -
Railroads In The 1900s (1900–1910): Facts, Statistics, History
Sep 03, 26 10:05 AM
U.S. railroads 1900–1910—ICC miles 193,346 to 240,293, Elkins/Hepburn/Mann-Elkins, interurbans, 20th Century Limited, Penn Station, last transcontinentals. Facts and statistics. -
Michigan Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 12:12 AM
2026 Michigan Christmas trains—SRI North Pole Express on Pere Marquette 1225 (Owosso), Coopersville Santa Train, Huckleberry Railroad Holiday Magic, Little River Christmas Express. Not Polar Express. -
Transcontinental Railroad: Maps, Facts, Completion
Sep 03, 26 12:12 AM
First transcontinental railroad—Pacific Railway Acts 1862/1864, Central Pacific and Union Pacific, Chinese labor, ten-mile day, Promontory Summit May 10, 1869. Maps, facts, Golden Spike National Histo… -
PRR B1 Electric Switchers: History, Specs & Roster
Sep 02, 26 11:41 PM
Pennsylvania Railroad class B1 electric switchers—Altoona/Juniata 0-6-0 (C) boxcabs, 1926–1935. BB1/BB2 pairs, 5684–5697 singles, LIRR B3 sisters, specs, complete roster. 5690 at Strasburg. -
Florida Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 11:17 PM
2026 Florida Christmas trains—Florida Railroad Museum North Pole Express in Parrish (Nov. 27–Dec. 22). No licensed Polar Express in Florida. Miami Polar is closed. -
North Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 01:40 PM
2026 North Carolina Christmas trains—Tweetsie Christmas (Nov. 27–Dec. 30), Bonsal Santa Express, Aberdeen Carolina Christmas Train. Polar is Bryson City and Spencer. -
New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad: Map, Route & History
Sep 02, 26 01:30 PM
New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad—William Hardy, Erlanger capital, 196 miles Meridian–New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain trestle, Queen & Crescent Route. Southern 1916, AGS 1969, Norfolk Southern t… -
New Hampshire Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 01:25 PM
2026 New Hampshire Christmas trains—Conway Scenic Santa’s Holiday Express (from Nov. 28, Coach $27/$21) and Lincoln Santa Express. Not Polar Express. -
Minnesota Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 12:18 PM
2026 Minnesota Christmas trains—Duluth Christmas City Express, Friends of the 261 North Pole Express (Dec. 4–13), Minneapolis Holly Trolley. Not Polar Express.
