The GE Dash 8-32BWH, also known as the P32-8BWH, B32-8WH, or P32-8, is a diesel-electric locomotive used by Amtrak in passenger train service, based on the GE Dash 8 Series of freight train locomotives. Built in 1991, they were the first locomotives purchased to replace the EMD F40PH. Amtrak originally used the Dash 8's on mainline trains but later used them largely for switching in yards, only being used on mainline trains when newer GE Genesis locomotives were unavailable. As of 2023, 16 of the original 20 remain in service with Amtrak, including two owned by Caltrans for use on Amtrak California services.
Quick Facts Type and origin, Power type ...
GE Dash 8-32BWH |
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Specifications |
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Configuration:
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• AAR | B-B |
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• UIC | Bo'Bo' |
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Gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
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Trucks | General Electric Floating Bolster (FB2) |
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Wheel diameter | 40 in (1,016 mm) |
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Minimum curve | 150 ft (46 m) / 39° (single unit) 175 ft (53 m) / 33° (coupled) |
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Wheelbase | 39 ft 8 in (12.09 m) (between truck centers) |
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Length | 66 ft 4 in (20.22 m) |
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Width | 9 ft 11+1⁄4 in (3.029 m) |
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Height | 15 ft 4 in (4.67 m) |
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Axle load | 79,148.3 lb (35,901 kg) |
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Adhesive weight | 100% |
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Loco weight | 274,890 lb (124,688 kilograms) |
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Fuel type | Diesel |
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Fuel capacity | 1,800 US gal (6,800 L; 1,500 imp gal) |
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Lubricant cap. | 365 US gal (1,380 L; 304 imp gal) |
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Coolant cap. | 350 US gal (1,300 L; 290 imp gal) |
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Sandbox cap. | 26 cubic feet (740 L) |
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Prime mover | GE 7FDL-12 |
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RPM range | 400-1,050 (720 or 900 when supplying HEP) |
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Engine type | 45° V12, four stroke cycle |
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Aspiration | Turbocharged |
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Displacement | 131.4 liters (8,020 cu in) |
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Alternator | GMG 195A1 |
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Traction motors | 4 GE 752AH DC traction motors |
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Head end power | Alternator-driven head-end power (GTA 33A1) |
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Cylinders | 12 |
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Cylinder size | 10.95 liters (668 cu in) [1] |
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Transmission | AC-DC |
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MU working | Yes |
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Train heating | Locomotive-supplied head-end power, 800 kW (1,100 hp) |
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Loco brake | Dynamic / Electropneumatic |
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Train brakes | Pneumatic |
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Safety systems | FRA standards ACSES II |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 103 mph (166 km/h) |
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Power output | 3,200 hp (2.4 MW) |
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Tractive effort | Continuous: 38,500 lbf (17,500 kgf) @26 mph (42 km/h) |
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Factor of adh. | 4.472 |
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Career |
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Operators | |
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Numbers |
- 500–519 (Amtrak)
- 2051–2052 (Caltrans)
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Nicknames | Pepsi Cans |
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Locale | United States |
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Delivered | 1991 |
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Disposition | Operational, used primarily for yard switching and backup motive power (Amtrak) San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor trains (Caltrans) |
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