The GE U17C diesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation as an export model road switcher locomotive in 1973. Easy to spot due to its relatively short length — 52 ft 9 in (16.08 m) — it was powered by the 8-cylinder FDL-8T engine.[citation needed] Very similar to the U18B, it included an extended body section to house a larger air filter and cooling units.

GE U17C
U17C in service for CFS in Syria
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGeneral Electric
ModelU17C
Build date1973–1981
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Length52 ft 9 in (16.08 m)
Loco weight118,000 lb (53,524 kg)
or 59 short tons (52.679 long tons; 53.524 t)
Prime moverGE FDL-8T
Engine type4-stroke diesel
AspirationTurbocharger
Displacement5,344 cu in (87.57 L)
GeneratorDC generator
Traction motorsDC traction motors
CylindersV8
Cylinder size9 in × 10.5 in (228.6 mm × 266.7 mm)
Transmissiondiesel electric
Loco brakeStraight air, Dynamic
Train brakes26-L air
Performance figures
Maximum speed64 mph (103 km/h)
Power output1,700 hp (1,270 kW)
Tractive effort57,000 lbf (253.5 kN) @ 30%
Career
OperatorsCFS,[1]
Lebanese national railway company.[2]
LocaleSyria, Lebanon

Original purchasers included Syria's CFS,[citation needed]and the Lebanese national railway company.[2]

The GE U17C is also used on the Aqaba Railway Corporation for transporting phosphates from the Mines to Aqaba.

Original Owners edit


Railroad Quantity Works No. Local Designation Numbers Notes
Chemins de Fer Syriens 15 40664-78 LDE-1800 301-315 Intended for freight[2]
Chemins de Fer Syriens 15 40679-93 LDE-1800 351-365 17001-IP, intended for passenger traffic[2][3]

References edit

  1. ^ "GE U17C". The Diesel Shop. 21 September 2007. Retrieved 4 May 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d "CFS Motive Power". Retrieved 4 May 2009.
  3. ^ "GE Locomotives in Asia & Middle East". Locopage. Retrieved 4 May 2009.