GE 80-ton switcher
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The GE 80-ton switcher is a diesel-electric locomotive model built by GE Transportation Systems. It is classified as a B-B type locomotive. It was designed for industrial and light switching duties around railheads and ports.
From 1940 to 1945, and again from 1951 to 1953, the United States Armed Forces purchased many 80-tonners for use switching railheads around Continental U.S. (CONUS) military facilities, including army and navy ammunition depots, forts, air force bases, etc.[1][2]
In the 1990s Rail Equipment Division at Tooele Army Depot rebuilt most 80-tonners to have Cummins turbo-charged 470 hp (350 kW) 6-cylinder engines. The rebuild included a small cosmetic change resulting in end radiator screens and dual headlights. This rebuild gave all Army and some Air Force 80-tonners a much longer lifespan. Less than 27 Army and 5 Air Force 80-tonners are still in service present day. Navy 80-tonners did not undergo this rebuild. Many Navy engines were rebuilt by contracts with locomotive rehab companies.
