81 General Electric

Engine history

The White Pass & Yukon Route diesel engine #81 was build original for the United States Army Transportation by General Electric at their Erie, PA plant. Then the engine was used at the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad for test. In 1973 the USA #3000 was sold the White Pass as their #81. After their operation as Skagway switcher, the engine was sold to the "Cia de Desarrollo Bananero de Guatemala" railroad in Bandegua (length of 102 Km) as their #314.

Data

Number Builder Builder No. Year HP Traction Pwr. Remarks
81 General Electric GE 32933   800 Starting 45,600
Continuous 22,000
ex. USA 3000

3000

USA TC 3000 Durango

The GE 3000 as United States Army test engine stand here at Durango, CO, beteen test runs. Original image from Boerries Burkhardt Collection

3000

USA TC 3000 Durango

June 7, 1960 at Durango , Colorado, Multi Gauge Test Engine 3000 of the United States Army wait for another run on the Colorado narrow gauge line. Boerries Burkhardt Collection

81

General Electric 81, ex. USA 3000

The engine was repainted into the White Pass colors here at Skagway shops

81

GE 81 switching at Skagway docks

This great image from Dave Grandt shows the GE 81 main work. The engine was used only for switching service at Skagway.

81

GE 81 at Skagway

Skagway switcher. Boerries Burkhardt Collection.

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