| Subject: *PRESS RELEASE* NGAR AQUIRES NEW MOTIVE POWER |
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announce the acquisition of a very unique locomotive, a General Electric U50 cab forward engine. Some have called the U50 / U50c ugly,. other thought awesome. Not matter what you think, they were different. The concept was to have two different power plants under one unit. The locomotives were built using B-B trucks, connected by one frame which connected between the 2nd & 3rd axle of each set of trucks. The U50C, built later had 5000 HP twin power plants. The trucks and frames came from another unique locomotive build, UP's GE gas turbine. (U50Cs also were six axle.) Produced beginning in 1969, The engines served for approximately 10 years. Used on heavy trains and mainlines. They were pretty much limited to mainlines and were not as versatile as some of the newer engines coming out in the late 70's (i.e. SD40-2s). Although railfans loved them, some engineers related stories of being scarred out of their wits when meeting other trains on curves, or going into sidings (not to mention rough riding). Another contributing factor to the U50's demise was the aluminum wiring. As with houses, some aircraft and ships; the aluminum wire had to be replaced within 10 years of the engine. Being to costly to replace the wire; it was easier to replace the engine. (taken from http://www.railnews.com/LOCO/ges_u50.htm) Never the less, the NGAR is excited to have this engine entering service for WasteRunner, excursion service and long haul duties on the line. |
