General Electric Diesel-Electric Locomotive, 1942

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Artifact Overview

Lightweight 44-, 45- and 50-ton diesel-electric locomotives proved popular in industrial and yard switching duties. They were less expensive to operate than steam locomotives and could run on lightly built track. This 50-ton unit served a U.S. Navy ammunition depot in Charleston, South Carolina, during World War II. It later operated at a scrapyard in Ecorse, Michigan.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Diesel-electric locomotive

Date Made

1942

Creator Notes

Manufactured in Erie, Pennsylvania for General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

93.27.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 12 ft
Width: 9.5 ft
Length: 28.25 ft

Inscriptions

Builders Plate: GENERAL ELECTRIC / DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE / CLASS B-B-100 / 100-2GE733/300 HP / NO. 15151 / DATE JAN. 1942 / SCHENECTADY, NY / MADE IN U.S.A.
General Electric Diesel-Electric Locomotive, 1942