| Union Pacific Railroad GTEL (Gas Turbine-Electric Locomotive) 12 at Cheyenne, Wyoming on August 27, 1965, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. Number 12 and 12B were completed by GE during February 1960 (c/n's 33227 and 33228) and were actually a single locomotive. The first unit contained the cab, 850 horsepower auxiliary diesel engine, and other control equipment, the second (B-unit) contained the turbine and electric generators. Together they produced 8500 horsepower. The locomotive was capable of producing 10,000 horsepower, but the electrical system was not rated for that power. The tender contained 24,000 gallons of Bunker C fuel oil and was heated to enable the thick fuel to flow efficiently. The fuel tank under the cab unit contained 2500 gallons of diesel fuel for the auxiliary diesel generator, which was also used to start the turbine. This unit was retired in October 1969, victim of high fuel costs. The trucks were recycled under UP's U50C's. |