GE Universal Series locomotives
Encyclopedia
The GE Universal Series locomotives were diesel locomotive
s launched by GE
in early 1956.
Initially, there were nine U-series models: U4B, U6B, U9B, U9C, U12B, U12C, U18B
, U18C and UD18B. They were designed to be readily adaptable to different track gauges for export markets. The U5B and U8B appeared later, being first built for RFFSA
, Brazil
in 1961
. They are often called "U-Boats" by raifans & model railroaders.
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...
s launched by GE
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...
in early 1956.
Initially, there were nine U-series models: U4B, U6B, U9B, U9C, U12B, U12C, U18B
GE U18B
The GE U18B Diesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation as a branch line roadswitcher in 1973.Easy to spot due to its relatively short length — 54 ft 8 in — it was the only North American locomotive powered by the 8-cylinder 7FDL engine.The Seaboard Coast...
, U18C and UD18B. They were designed to be readily adaptable to different track gauges for export markets. The U5B and U8B appeared later, being first built for RFFSA
RFFSA
The Rede Ferroviária Federal, Sociedade Anônima was the state-owned national railway company of Brazil. It was created in 1957, and dissolved between 1999–2007.-Constituent Railways:...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
in 1961
. They are often called "U-Boats" by raifans & model railroaders.
Other Universal Series locomotives
- GE U17CGE U17CThe GE U17C Diesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation as an export model roadswitcher in 1973.Easy to spot due to its relatively short length — 52 ft 9 in — it was powered by the 8-cylinder FDL-8T engine....
, introduced 1973 - GE U20CGE U20CThe GE U20C Diesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation Systems as an export model roadswitcher in 1964. It was powered by the 8-cylinder FDL-8T engine.[1]...
, introduced 1964 - GE U23BGE U23BThe GE U23B Diesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation in 1968 as a medium horsepower roadswitcher, featuring a 12 cylinder FDL engine. It was one of the most successful models of the Universal Series, with railroads ordering it from 1968 until 1977 when it was replaced by the...
, introduced 1968