GE U33B

Technical Specifics

The GE U33B was introduced in 1966 as part of General Electric's Universal Series of diesel-electric locomotives, representing a step up in output from the earlier U30B. Production ran from 1967 through 1970, during which time GE delivered a total of 137 units to various North American railroads. The model emerged during a period of intense competition between GE and Electro-Motive Division, as both manufacturers were pushing horsepower ratings upward to meet the demands of railroads seeking more powerful road freight motive power on a four-axle platform. The U33B found buyers among a number of Class I railroads that were seeking greater tractive effort and horsepower without committing to six-axle locomotives. Its service life extended well into the 1980s and in some cases beyond, as railroads found the units capable performers in freight service. The nickname "U-Boat," which had been applied informally to the Universal Series locomotives generally, was commonly used by crews and enthusiasts alike during the operational years of the type. The wider rear radiator assembly introduced on the U33B to manage the increased thermal load of the higher-horsepower prime mover gave the locomotive a visually distinctive appearance compared to lower-output Universal Series models. This expanded radiator configuration established a design language that GE carried forward into subsequent locomotive families, making it a meaningful transitional design in the evolution of the builder's road freight locomotives.

Prototype Reference

Real-world information about this equipment type

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