Setx...,
Thanks for the link.
The other day, I was thinking about... what locomotive would I most like to see most, in action, track-side? The answer was an easy one, for me... it would be a Union Pacific GTEL, preferably UP 18.
I have an O gauge model of UP's number 18, which is not to scale. Most of my O gauge collection is scale in size, but my GTEL is approximately 35 inches long. The O gauge scale version is at least four feet in length, a truly massive model.
For those that aren't familiar with a GTEL locomotive, there is an A-unit, a B-unit; and a fuel tender. Among other things, the A-unit contained a small diesel engine... used to power the GTEL for short movements, such as in the yard. The B-unit houses the massive turbine engine, that makes and supplies the electricity to the A & B units traction motors. The tender carried the bunker-oil fuel.
UP's GTEL's were so loud that they eventually were prohibited from operating in urban areas; and they ended up working on long distance routes, that were physically challenging for a locomotive.
A while back, I recall hearing that UP would run their GTEL's at full power going up a long grade; and when they crested the summit, the power was turned off; and the train would be allowed to coast downhill, for as long as possible. I believe the GTEL's regularly worked with a least one diesel-electric locomotive, just in case of a turbine failure.
It is my understanding that, UP's GTEL's were solid performers, that racked up high mileage, during their careers. I think that the significant rise in the previously, fairly, inexpensive fuel price... was what led to their demise.
Ya... I would have liked to have seen one of these monsters screaming up a grade, at full power. At one time, they were the most powerful locomotives in North America... they might still hold that record?
Rick
