Virginian GE 7800hp Electrics

The Virginian Railroad had a set of GE electric units with a B-B-B-B truck configuration. The units rated at 7800hp. Engine number 221.

What was the builder classification for these units? Were they all that successful?

They were classed EL-2B. I’m not that familiar with the VGN electrics, but these things sure looked good didn’t they? I imagine they could pull a few stumps out!

EL-2B was the VGN classification to go along with their EL3A side rod electrics. They were built by GE and their were two sets of two engines each that weighed a little over 1,000,000# per set. They could move 3000 tons up a 2% grade at 35 mph. SInce they were custom built for the VGN I doubt GE ever gave them a classification and neither book I have on the VGN lists a GE model #.