Power type Diesel-electric AAR wheel arr. B-B | Model 80-ton switcher | |
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Builder GE Transportation Systems Gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Loco weight 80 short tons (71 long tons; 73 t) | ||
The GE 80-ton switcher is a diesel-electric locomotive model built by GE Transportation Systems. It is classified as a B-B type locomotive. It was designed for industrial and light switching duties around railheads and ports. The locomotive bears a great resemblance to the GE 44-ton switcher, and it is easy to confuse the two.
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Military version
The military purchased 80-tonners between 1952 and 1953 for use switching railheads around Continental U.S. (CONUS) military facilities. In the 1990s Rail Equipment Division at Tooele Army Depot rebuilt most 80-tonners to have Cummins turbo-charged 470 hp (350 kW) 6-cylinder engines. The rebuild included a small cosmetic change resulting in end radiator screens and dual headlights. This rebuild gave all Army and some Air Force 80-tonners a much longer lifespan. Approximately 27 Army and five Air Force 80-tonners are still in service present day. Navy 80-tonners did not undergo this rebuild. Many Navy engines were rebuilt by contracts with locomotive rehab companies.
Heritage Railways
At least five 80-tonners have been known to be in tourist service. These locomotives resided on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The D-1 was acquired in 2004 and was the mainstay of the fleet while the railroads 2-8-0 No. 29 and 2-6-2 No. 8 were being restored. Another 80-tonner, D-2, was only used in 2003, and its current disposition is unknown. The Valley Railroad in Essex, Connecticut owns a trio of 80-tonners, 0900, 0901, and 1606, for use on the Essex Clipper Dinner Train, as well as for yard switching and work train service.