The GE Dash 8‑40B, also catalogued as the B40‑8, is a diesel‑electric locomotive built by General Electric Transportation Systems (GE) for North American freight service. It is part of GE’s “Dash 8” series, which succeeded the earlier “Dash 7” line and introduced a range of technological improvements, including upgraded traction electronics and a more powerful prime mover.
Design and specifications
- Production period – 1988 to 1992.
- Total units built – Approximately 1,200 units, though exact production figures vary among sources.
- Power output – 4,000 horsepower (2,984 kW).
- Prime mover – GE 7FDL‑16, a 16‑cylinder, four‑stroke, turbocharged diesel engine.
- Traction system – GE’s Advanced Power Electronics (APE) with DC traction motors.
- Wheel arrangement – B‑B (AAR classification), meaning two two‑axle trucks, each powered.
- Length – Roughly 61 feet (18.6 m).
- Weight – Approximately 276 tons (250 t).
- Maximum speed – Typically rated for 70 mph (112 km/h), suitable for bulk freight operations.
Operational history
The Dash 8‑40B was primarily purchased by major Class I railroads in the United States and Canada, including Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, Canadian National Railway, and others. Its high reliability and relatively low maintenance costs made it a popular choice for heavy‑haul freight services. Some units were later rebuilt or upgraded, receiving modifications such as newer electronic control packages, or being re‑rated to meet specific railroad requirements.
Variants and related models
The Dash 8 family also included the B40‑8W (wide‑cab version) and the C40‑8 (C‑C wheel arrangement). While the B40‑8 retained the standard cab configuration, the B40‑8W featured a wider nose and improved crashworthiness, a design that later evolved into the “Dash 9” series.
Preservation and legacy
Several former Dash 8‑40B locomotives have been preserved in railway museums or retained in active service by short‑line and regional carriers after being retired from Class I rosters. The model is regarded as a transitional design that bridged the gap between the older Dash 7 series and the more advanced Dash 9 and Evolution Series locomotives, influencing subsequent diesel‑electric locomotive development.
References
- General Electric Transportation Systems product literature (1988–1992).
- Railroad industry fleet rosters and equipment registers.
Note: Production numbers are approximate due to variations in reporting across different railroads and industry publications.
