What’s the difference between the C series and the U series GE engines?
GE used the ‘U’ series in the 60’s and early 70’s. About 1977 they changed the model designation to a B’ or ‘C’ depending on the configuration. For example, the U30B was replaced by the B30-7 locomotive. The U30C was replaced by the C30-7. There were external and internal changes as well.
Jim
U stands for “Universal” and originally referred to the line of export locomotives introduced by GE in 1955. When GE developed its domestic locomotives, they were a natural extension of the Universal Series.
worth noting…the GE U25B was the first “2nd generation” diesel as well as the unit that started the horsepower wars of the 60’s and 70’s between the big 3…and IMHO this was the unit that did in ALCO
Also, the C refers to six axle units (C-30-7) and B refers to 4 axle units, the same as U25B (Universal series- 2500 horsepower-4 axle trucks) and U25C, which would have six axle trucks.
The difference is major improvement in the design of practically every component in the locomotive, achieving better reliability, availability, adhesion, and fuel economy, and lower maintenance costs.
RWM
…except trying to walk past the radiator cab w/o getting filthy!
The actual change from U series to Dash 7 was more evolutionary than revolutionary. The last U23Bs built (CR 2789) had most of the features of the first B23-7.
There was actually a pretty large change from the first Dash 7s to the last. Both the excitation system and wheelslip control on the latter (CHEC and Sentry) were a big step up. The early Dash 7s were more like EMD Dash 2s and the later ones more like EMD 50 series.
GE always seemed to experiment with new technology in existing models before introducing a new line, such as the MoPac-UP C36-7s with notable changes that would become the -8 line. It would be nice if more of the older units were still around.