GE Dash 8-40C
Encyclopedia
A GE Dash 8-40C is a 6-axle diesel locomotive
built by GE Transportation Systems
between 1987 and 1992, wheel arrangement is of a C-C type. This locomotive model is sometimes referred to as a C40-8. or simply "Dash 8". "Dash 8" in general refers to the electrical control series, "Dash" being a carryover from the older syntax of C40-8. The "40" refers to the baseline rated horsepower (4000) of the unit, although some units may be re-rated to 4100 hp (see below).
Later units were supplied with a wide cab and are designated Dash 8-40CW
, the "W" indicating a wide cab.
version was built as the Dash 8-41CW.
The companies that still own C40-8 locomotives as of 2006 include: CSX Transportation
with 146, Norfolk Southern Railway
with 88 and Union Pacific Railroad
with 298 (includes former C&NW C41-8 units).
Also, the GE C40-8W is a newer model of the C40-8. The W stands for "Safety Cab." Many railroads like, CSX, UP, BNSF, may own or use these models. The shape of the C40-8W's no longer have the stub on the front. The nose has been stretched out. Many railroads like, CSX have the two head lights on the nose, while Conrail (CSX and Norfolk Southern now own) had C40-8W's with the head light on the top of the cab. Many CSX and NS engines still sport the "Ex-Conrail" head light.
Diesel locomotive
A diesel locomotive is a type of railroad locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine, a reciprocating engine operating on the Diesel cycle as invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel...
built by GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation, formerly known as GE Rail, is a division of General Electric. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling and energy generation industries. It is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Locomotives are assembled at the Erie plant, while engine...
between 1987 and 1992, wheel arrangement is of a C-C type. This locomotive model is sometimes referred to as a C40-8. or simply "Dash 8". "Dash 8" in general refers to the electrical control series, "Dash" being a carryover from the older syntax of C40-8. The "40" refers to the baseline rated horsepower (4000) of the unit, although some units may be re-rated to 4100 hp (see below).
Later units were supplied with a wide cab and are designated Dash 8-40CW
GE Dash 8-40CW
A GE Dash 8-40CW is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems from 1990 to 1994. It is distinguished from the Dash 8-40C by the addition of a "wide" or "safety" cab. This locomotive model is sometimes referred to as a C40-8W...
, the "W" indicating a wide cab.
C41-8
Some railroads, in particular the Chicago and North Western, upgraded some of their units to ~4135 hp and designated them as C42-8. This designation was modified by Union Pacific to C41-8 after its takeover of C&NW in 1995. Former C&NW units are usually identified by a grab-iron on the front nose just above the Union Pacific shield logo, and/or the "C41-8" designation on the cab side. The final three C&NW C40-8s were built with 4135 hp, and the prior 32 units were similarly modified as well. Although none of these units were ever officially classed as C41-8 by GE, a safety cabCanadian comfort cab
The Canadian comfort cab or wide cab is a broad-nosed cab design found on modern diesel locomotives. It occupies the entire width of the locomotive, and typically has an access door on the front of the nose...
version was built as the Dash 8-41CW.
Original owners
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago and North Western Transportation Company | 77 | 8501-8577 | 8575-8577 were 4150 hp |
| Conrail | 25 | 6025-6049 | |
| CSX Transportation CSX Transportation CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles... |
147 | 7500-7646 | |
| Estrada de Ferro Carajás (Brazil) | 4 | 501-504 | |
| Norfolk Southern | 75 | 8689-8763 | |
| Union Pacific Railroad Union Pacific Railroad The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman.... |
257 | 9100-9355, 9185 (2nd) | 9185 (1st) returned to GE, became testbed |
The companies that still own C40-8 locomotives as of 2006 include: CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
with 146, Norfolk Southern Railway
Norfolk Southern Railway
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. With headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, the company operates 21,500 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada...
with 88 and Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
with 298 (includes former C&NW C41-8 units).
Also, the GE C40-8W is a newer model of the C40-8. The W stands for "Safety Cab." Many railroads like, CSX, UP, BNSF, may own or use these models. The shape of the C40-8W's no longer have the stub on the front. The nose has been stretched out. Many railroads like, CSX have the two head lights on the nose, while Conrail (CSX and Norfolk Southern now own) had C40-8W's with the head light on the top of the cab. Many CSX and NS engines still sport the "Ex-Conrail" head light.