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GE U26C
Two DX class U26Cs in New Zealand with a coal train
Type and origin Power type Diesel–electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Krupp (TAZARA U30Cs) Serial number Brazil: 2501013-018 Kenya: 41812-41837, 45374-45383 New Zealand: 38016-38030, 40175-40208 South Africa: 35261-35282, 37810-37934, 38623-38722, 40400-40419, 40570-40571, 40578, 40579, 41350-41379 TAZARA: 5532-5540, 5561-5565, 46514-46530 Model U26C Build date 1971–1987 Total produced 392
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in), Brazil and Kenya 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in), Brazil 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) elsewhere Wheelbase 3,607 mm (142.01 in) each bogie Length 17.5 to 17.9 m (57 ft 5.0 in to 58 ft 8.7 in) Axle load 15.1–16.25 t (14.86–15.99 long tons; 16.64–17.91 short tons) Loco weight 91–97.5 t (89.6–96.0 long tons; 100.3–107.5 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 7,500 L (1,600 imp gal; 2,000 US gal) Prime mover GE 7FDL-12 RPM range 1050 max Engine type 4 stroke diesel engine Aspiration Turbocharged Alternator GTA11 C.C. Traction motors 6 × 761A17 Cylinders V12 Cylinder size 9 in × 10+1⁄2 in (228.6 mm × 266.7 mm) MU working Yes Loco brake Compressed air
Performance figures Power output 2,050 kW (2,750 hp) Tractive effort 24,630 kgf (241,500 N; 54,300 lbf)
Career Numbers 100–120 km/h (62–75 mph)(?)

The GE U26C diesel locomotive model was introduced by GE Transportation Systems in 1971. All examples of this model are six axle units, and have the wheel arrangement C-C (AAR classification) or Co'Co' (UIC classification).

The U26C locomotives were built for 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge networks in Brazil and Kenya, and 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) networks in New Zealand and South Africa. All had a power output of 2,050 kW (2,750 hp) as built, except the locomotives delivered new to Kenya, which were derated to 1,950 kW (2,610 hp). Some of the New Zealand units were later uprated in power output, and four of the Brazilian units were later regauged to 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) broad gauge.

Another more powerful version, license-built by Krupp, and referred to as a GE U30C model, was delivered to the 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) TAZARA Railway, which links Tanzania with Zambia.

Technical details

The U26Cs have the typical hood unit configuration of North American diesel locomotives, and a road switcher design.

The turbocharged V12 four-stroke diesel engine, generator and auxiliary equipment are easily accessible under a long hood equally as high as, but narrower than, the single cab, which is mounted at one end. This arrangement allows the driver to see in both directions. However, in line service the leading locomotive is usually operated with the cab end ahead.

The six electric traction motors are mounted in the two bogies; each drives one axle. Between the bogies is the fuel tank. The U26Cs are capable of multiple-unit train control operation. In New Zealand and South Africa, trains operated by four or more locomotives are not uncommon.

Other technical data of the locomotives varies depending on the build year and construction, but the type of motor fitted is always the GE 7FDL-12.

Countries in service

Brazil

Six U26Cs, built for metre gauge use, were delivered in 1981 to the Brazilian Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas (EFVM), where they were given road numbers 401-406. They were constructed by GE Brasil.

Four of these locomotives (Nos. 401, 402, 404 and 406) were taken over in 1998 by Ferronorte and regauged to broad gauge (1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)).

Since 2006 these locomotives have been owned by América Latina Logística (ALL).

Kenya

The Kenya Railways (KR) U26C locomotives have been designated as class 93 (delivery in 1977, 26 units) and 94 (delivery in 1987, 10 units).

In 1998, five of the class 93 locomotives were leased to Magadi Rail, a subsidiary of the Magadi Soda Company. They were used to operate soda ash trains from Magadi along the 150 km (93 mi) branch line to Konza, which is also leased to Magadi Rail. In 2007, they were returned to their owner.

As at 2011, all members of class 93 and 94 formed part of the fleet of the Rift Valley Railways, which currently manages the parastatal railways of Kenya and Uganda. They were all still serviceable and suitable for rehabilitation and upgrading.

Another group of U26Cs, known as class 95, consisted of eleven South African Class 34-400 units, converted to metre gauge. They were leased from Spoornet for a number of years until April 2002, when they were returned to South Africa.

New Zealand

A total of 49 units of the U26C model were built for the New Zealand Railways Department as the DX class, 15 of them in 1971, and a further 34 in 1975 – 76. The initial road numbers of these locomotives were 2600–2648.

Over time, all locomotives in the DX class received minor modifications. These included the fitting of modified cabs with one piece windshields. Other changes involved the electronics and the couplings.

Some DXs have been further modified, to operate through the over 8.5 km (5.3 mi) long and steeply graded Otira Tunnel on the South Island. The air intakes of these locomotives were remounted outside the locomotive body, and fitted with a downward heading intake scoop, to prevent them from drawing in exhaust gases accumulating at the tunnel's ceiling. The image at the top right of this article is of locomotives belonging to this variant, known as the DXC sub class.

One member of the DX class was much more substantially rebuilt in 1993, and another in 2006. The rebuilt locomotives were redesignated as the DXR class (with the R signifying rebuilt). Amongst other things, they were fitted with a new engine, and an enlarged, modernised cab. However, the rebuilding program was not pursued any further.

A single DX was retired in the 1970s following an accident; as at 2010, the remaining 48, including the two DXRs, were still in operation. All of them are now renumbered, and reclassified as DXB, DXC, or DXR.

All DX variants have had modern BrightStar™ Control Systems retrofitted. The BrightStar™ Control System has also been fitted to DFB class locomotives with excellent results. Trials of BrightStar™ on other GMD models have proved unsatisfactory.

South Africa

The most numerous U26Cs were the 255 units built for the South African Railways (SAR), later renamed Spoornet and then Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), for which they were designated as part of class 34. The various production runs of the SAR locomotives were grouped into subclasses 34-000 (125 units, 1971–73), 34-400 (100 units, 1973) and 34-900 (30 units, 1979–80). As such, their subclassifications were mixed in with EMD GT26MC model locomotives, which are of similar weight and performance, and were subclassified as 34-200, 34-600, 34-800 and 37-000. The SAR U26C locomotives have been used to haul both goods and passenger trains, including the Blue Train.

Another 44 units of the U26C model were delivered in 1971–73 to the ISCOR works (now Mittal Steel South Africa) as industrial locomotives. Thirty nine of these locomotives were later taken over by Spoornet, and incorporated into SAR class 34 as road numbers 34-501 to 34-539 (class 34-500 or "34-400 ex ISCOR"). Two additional U26Cs went to the Douglas Colliery in 1977. Except for the latter two locomotives, and the first three SAR units, all of the South African U26Cs were built under license at Dorbyl Transport Products.

One unusual operation regularly performed by South African U26Cs is the haulage of Orex trains on the Sishen-Saldanha Bay iron ore line. On this line, which has been electrified at 50kV since 1978, U26C locomotives, and especially the former ISCOR machines, daily work in multiple unit operation with electric locomotives of the much more powerful and heavier class 9E or class 15E, but should be replaced in late 2011 by new Class 43-000 diesel–electric locomotives. In some cases, trains on this line have also been hauled exclusively by diesel locomotives, as was the case before electrification.

Tanzania / Zambia

In 1982, Krupp supplied 22 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) to the TAZARA. These units correspond with the U26C, but their power output was increased to about 2,200 kW (3,000 hp). They are therefore referred to as U30C models, although this designation had been assigned initially to a series of standard gauge locomotives built for US railroads between 1966 and 1976 (see GE U30C).

The Tazara U30Cs were acquired to supplement the ageing and underpowered Chinese made locomotives that had been used on the Tazara Railway since its opening in 1976.

References

1. ^ "GE Export builders list". GE export. www.locopage.net. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
2. pt:Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas
3. pt:Ferronorte
4. Otieno, Barrack (May 1998). "Kenya's first private railway". African Business. IC Publications.
5. "New locos at Magadi". www.railwaysafrica.com. Railways Africa. 11 April 2007. Archived from the original on 23 April 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
6. Nathan Associates, Inc (2011). Corridor Diagnostic Study of the Northern and Central Corridors of East Africa: Action Plan Volume 2: Technical Papers G. Rail Revitalization (PDF). Arlington, Virginia, USA: Nathan Associates, Inc. p. 34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
7. Middleton, John N. (2002). Railways of Southern Africa Locomotive Guide - 2002 (as amended by Combined Amendment List 4, January 2009) (2nd, Dec 2002 ed.). Herts, England: Beyer-Garratt Publications. pp. 38, 40–41, 45–46.
8. Amin, Mohamed; Willetts, Duncan; Matheson, Alastair (1986). Railway Across The Equator:The Story of the East African Line. London: The Bodley Head. p. 189. ISBN 0-370-30774-7.

External links

• Image of a Kenyan U26C (class 93)
• GE Export builders list (Word document)
• Image gallery of the SAR class 34
• Video: Seven SAR class 34s operating in multiple on an ore train

v t e Locomotives of South Africa
Steam	7' ¼" gauge East London 0-4-0VB Table Bay 0-4-0ST Table Bay 0-4-0T Table Bay 0-4-0WT Standard gauge Cape 0-4-0T Blackie Cape 0-4-2 Cape 2-4-0T CGR 0-4-0ST Aid Natal 0-4-0ST Durban Natal 0-4-0WT Natal Natal 4-4-0T Perseverance Cape gauge Tank engines CGR 0-4-0ST 1873 CGR 0-4-0ST 1874 CGR 0-4-0ST 1881 CGR 0-4-0ST 1881 Coffee Pot CGR 0-6-0ST CGR 0-6-0T CGR 2-6-0ST 1900 CGR 2-6-0ST 1902 CGR 1st Class 0-4-0ST 1875 CGR 1st Class 0-4-0ST 1876 CGR 1st Class 2-6-0ST CGR 1st Class 4-4-0T CGR 2nd Class 4-4-0T CGR 3rd Class 2-6-0T CGR Railmotor CSAR Class C CSAR Class E CSAR Rack 4-6-4RT CSAR Railmotor Durban's Congella Durban's Edward Innes Durban's John Milne Durban's Sir Albert Port Elizabeth 0-4-0ST Kowie Railway 0-6-0T Kowie Railway 4-4-0T Metropolitan & Suburban 4-6-2T NGR 2-6-0T Durban & Pietermaritzburg NGR Class I 2-6-2T NGR Class K 0-4-0ST NGR Class K 0-6-0ST NGR Class K 2-6-0T NZASM 10 Tonner NZASM 13 Tonner NZASM 14 Tonner NZASM 18 Tonner NZASM 19 Tonner NZASM 32 Tonner NZASM 40 Tonner PPR 26 Tonner PPR 35 Tonner Portuguese SAR Class A SAR Class B SAR Class C SAR Class C1 SAR Class C2 SAR Class D SAR Class E SAR Class F SAR Class G SAR Class H SAR Class H1 SAR Class H2 SAR Class J SAR Class K SAR Railmotor SAR Dock 0-4-0ST SAR Dock 0-4-0T SWA 2-8-0T Cape gauge Tender engines CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1876 BP CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1876 Kitson CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1879 CGR 1st Class 2-6-0 1891 CGR 1st Class 4-4-0 CGR 1st Class 4-4-0TT CGR 2nd Class 2-6-2TT CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1883 CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1884 CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1889 CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1898 CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1901 CGR 3rd Class 4-4-0 1903 CGR 4th Class 4-4-2 CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT 1880 CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT 1882 CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT 1882 Joy CGR 4th Class 4-6-0TT 1884 CGR 5th Class 4-6-0 1890 CGR 5th Class 4-6-0 1891 NGR Havelock NGR Class I SAR Class Exp 1 SAR Class Exp 2 SAR Class Exp 3 SAR Class Exp 4 SAR Class Exp 5 SAR Class Exp 6 SAR Class S SAR Class S1 SAR Class S2 SAR Class 1 SAR Class 1A SAR Class 1B SAR Class 2 SAR Class 2C SAR Class 3 SAR Class 3A SAR Class 3B SAR Class 4 SAR Class 4A SAR Class 5 SAR Class 5A SAR Class 5B SAR Class 6 SAR Class 6A SAR Class 6B SAR Class 6C SAR Class 6D SAR Class 6E SAR Class 6F SAR Class 6G SAR Class 6H SAR Class 6J SAR Class 6K SAR Class 6L SAR Class 6Y SAR Class 6Z SAR Class 7 SAR Class 7A SAR Class 7B SAR Class 7C SAR Class 7D SAR Class 7E SAR Class 7F SAR Class 8 SAR Class 8A SAR Class 8B SAR Class 8C SAR Class 8D SAR Class 8E SAR Class 8F SAR Class 8R SAR Class 8X SAR Class 8Y SAR Class 8Z SAR Class 9 SAR Class 10 SAR Class 10A SAR Class 10B SAR Class 10C SAR Class 10D SAR Class 11 SAR Class 12 SAR Class 12A SAR Class 12B SAR Class 13 SAR Class 14 SAR Class 14A SAR Class 14B SAR Class 14C 1st SAR Class 14C 2nd SAR Class 14C 3rd SAR Class 14C 4th SAR Class 15 SAR Class 15A SAR Class 15B SAR Class 15C SAR Class 15CA SAR Class 15E SAR Class 15F SAR Class 16 SAR Class 16A SAR Class 16B SAR Class 16C SAR Class 16D SAR Class 16DA 1928 SAR Class 16DA 1930 SAR Class 16E SAR Class 17 SAR Class 18 SAR Class 19 SAR Class 19A SAR Class 19B SAR Class 19C SAR Class 19D SAR Class 20 SAR Class 21 SAR Class 23 SAR Class 24 SAR Class 25 SAR Class 25NC SAR Class 26 SAR Katanga SWA 2-8-0 Cape gauge Articulated engines CGR Fairlie CGR Kitson-Meyer SAR Class FC SAR Class FD SAR Class GA SAR Class GB SAR Class GC SAR Class GCA SAR Class GD SAR Class GDA SAR Class GE SAR Class GEA SAR Class GF SAR Class GG SAR Class GH SAR Class GK SAR Class GL SAR Class GM SAR Class GMA SAR Class GO SAR Class HF SAR Class KM SAR Class MA SAR Class MB SAR Class MC SAR Class MC1 SAR Class MD SAR Class ME SAR Class MF SAR Class MG SAR Class MH SAR Class MJ SAR Class MJ1 SAR Class U 2' 6" gauge Cape Copper John King & Miner Cape Copper Britannia Cape Copper Caledonia Cape Copper Clara Cape Copper Condenser Cape Copper Scotia Namaqua Copper Pioneer Walvis Bay 2-4-2T Hope 2' & 600mm gauges ACR Class NG-G16A CGR NG 0-4-0T CGR NG 0-6-0T CGR NG 4-6-2T CGR Type A 2-6-4T CGR Type C 0-4-0T NGR Class N 4-6-2T SAR Dutton SAR NG 0-4-0T SAR Class NG1 SAR Class NG2 SAR Class NG3 SAR Class NG4 SAR Class NG5 SAR Class NG6 SAR Class NG7 SAR Class NG8 SAR Class NG9 SAR Class NG10 SAR Class NG-G11 SAR Class NG-G12 SAR Class NG-G13 SAR Class NG-G14 SAR Class NG15 SAR Class NG-G16 SWA Class Ha SWA Class Hb SWA Class Hc SWA Class Hd SWA Jung SWA Zwillinge
Electric	Amcoal Class E38 SAR Class ES SAR Class ES1 SAR Class Exp-AC SAR Class 1E SAR Class 2E SAR Class 3E SAR Class 4E SAR Class 5E s1 SAR Class 5E s2 SAR Class 5E s3 SAR Class 5E1 s1 SAR Class 5E1 s2 SAR Class 5E1 s3 SAR Class 5E1 s4 SAR Class 5E1 s5 SAR Class 6E SAR Class 6E1 s1 SAR Class 6E1 s2 SAR Class 6E1 s3 SAR Class 6E1 s4 SAR Class 6E1 s5 SAR Class 6E1 s6 SAR Class 6E1 s7 SAR Class 6E1 s8 SAR Class 6E1 s9 SAR Class 6E1 s10 SAR Class 6E1 s11 SAR Class 7E SAR Class 7E1 SAR Class 7E2 s1 SAR Class 7E2 s2 SAR Class 7E3 s1 SAR Class 7E3 s2 Spoornet Class 7E4 SAR Class 8E SAR Class 9E s1 SAR Class 9E s2 SAR Class 10E SAR Class 10E1 s1 Spoornet Class 10E1 s2 SAR Class 10E2 SAR Class 11E SAR Class 12E Spoornet Class 14E Spoornet Class 14E1 TFR Class 15E Spoornet Class 16E Spoornet Class 17E Spoornet Class 18E s1 TFR Class 18E s2 TFR Class 19E TFR Class 20E TFR Class 21E TFR Class 22E TFR Class 23E
Gas-electric	SAR Gas-electric
Diesel	Cape gauge Diesel–electric PRASA Class Afro 4000 SAR Class DS SAR Class DS1 SAR Class 31-000 SAR Class 32-000 SAR Class 32-200 SAR Class 33-000 SAR Class 33-200 SAR Class 33-400 SAR Class 34-000 SAR Class 34-200 SAR Class 34-400 SAR Class 34-500 SAR Class 34-600 SAR Class 34-800 SAR Class 34-900 SAR Class 35-000 SAR Class 35-200 SAR Class 35-400 SAR Class 35-600 TFR Class 35-800 SAR Class 36-000 SAR Class 36-200 SAR Class 37-000 Spoornet Class 39-000 TFR Class 39-200 TFR Class 43-000 TFR Class 44-000 TFR Class 45-000 2' gauge Diesel–electric SAR Class 91-000 Cape gauge Diesel–hydraulic SAR Class 61-000 Cape gauge Electro-diesel Spoornet Class 38-000
List of South African locomotive classes South African locomotive numbering and classification

• General Electric locomotives
• C-C locomotives
• Diesel–electric locomotives of Brazil
• Diesel–electric locomotives of Kenya
• Diesel–electric locomotives of New Zealand
• Diesel–electric locomotives of South Africa
• Diesel–electric locomotives of Tanzania
• Diesel–electric locomotives of Zambia
• Railway locomotives introduced in 1971
• 3 ft 6 in gauge locomotives
• Metre gauge diesel locomotives