Chuck Zeiler UP
UP U50 38
Union Pacific Railroad U50 38 at Council Bluffs, Iowa on June 13, 1965, Kodachrome by Lou Schmitz, Chuck Zeiler collection. Built July 1964 ( c/n 35098 ), placed in service July 27, 1964, retired September 1973 and traded to GE, the U50 was two U25B's on a common frame, utilizing span bolsters and trucks from retired gas-turbine locomotives. To reduce weight, aluminum wiring was used, which deteriorated in 10 years and required replacement. The railroad chose to trade the locomotives for newer power. The triangular shaped items on the running board, located almost over the center of each span bolster, were the sandboxes. I’m not aware of the actual design challenges at GE that resulted in locating the sandboxes in these locations, but there was concern about the ingestion of sand and sand dust into the diesel, both at the fill time and the actual use of sand for traction. The Southern Pacific purchased three U50 locomotives, and they lasted a bit longer.
UP U50 38
Union Pacific Railroad U50 38 at Council Bluffs, Iowa on June 13, 1965, Kodachrome by Lou Schmitz, Chuck Zeiler collection. Built July 1964 ( c/n 35098 ), placed in service July 27, 1964, retired September 1973 and traded to GE, the U50 was two U25B's on a common frame, utilizing span bolsters and trucks from retired gas-turbine locomotives. To reduce weight, aluminum wiring was used, which deteriorated in 10 years and required replacement. The railroad chose to trade the locomotives for newer power. The triangular shaped items on the running board, located almost over the center of each span bolster, were the sandboxes. I’m not aware of the actual design challenges at GE that resulted in locating the sandboxes in these locations, but there was concern about the ingestion of sand and sand dust into the diesel, both at the fill time and the actual use of sand for traction. The Southern Pacific purchased three U50 locomotives, and they lasted a bit longer.