GE C39-8

The GE C39-8 is a six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive that GE Transportation Systems built between 1984 and 1987 as part of the Dash 8 Series. Only 161 were built, for two North American railroads, Conrail and Norfolk Southern. A 3,900 horsepower V16 7FDL-16 diesel engine drives a main alternator that feeds six traction motors, giving a top speed of 70 miles per hour and a maximum tractive effort of 108,600 pounds-force. Crews disliked it, citing a rough ride, a tendency to overheat and turbocharger and fuel injection problems. Fifteen Norfolk Southern units went to Peru, and a former Norfolk Southern unit on the Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad is the last in active use in North America.