 |
GE diesels in Vietnam
Author: SP5103
Date: 07-25-2017 - 20:06
23 units delivered in mid-late 1963, #BB907-BB929
10 units built Dec 1964, delivered early 1965 #BB930-BB939
15 units delivered early-mid 1965 #BB940-954
Renumbered 1975 to #D9E-207 to #D9E-254
These were built by General Electric, and were probably bought with some kind of US assistance or funding.
These are commonly listed as GE model U8B, and apparently the first to use the cast floating bolster cast truck that would become the standard road type truck on subsequent production of the Cat powered GE Universals. These were meter gauge powered by Caterpillar D398 series V-12 engines.
GE records show the first order was actually built with Cat D398A engines, while the later deliveries had Cat D398B engines (same as the U10B). The original U8B was rated at 900/840 hp, the U10B was originally rated at 1050/950 hp. These followed the first UM10B units built (M was "Modified" as not to confuse them with the cataloged but never built original U10B Cooper-Bessemer powered road switchers). I believe these are most commonly referred to as U8B, and as a matter of contract latter units may have been derated U10B for consistency. Until someone comes up with better information or photos of the builder plates ....
The difference between GE models wasn't always a clean break, more of an evolution. These all had the U5B/U8B carbody with the flat cab back running hood forward. Subsequent U6B/U10B production changed to cab forward with a modified peaked cab end and different door and window arrangement.
At last report, several have been re-engined with newer Cat 3516 engines (Cat marketed a kit to do this, reuses the main generator and 3516 is derated to match former D398 series) and are still in service, though recent purchases from China may threaten them.
10 units built Dec 1964, delivered early 1965 #BB930-BB939
15 units delivered early-mid 1965 #BB940-954
Renumbered 1975 to #D9E-207 to #D9E-254
These were built by General Electric, and were probably bought with some kind of US assistance or funding.
These are commonly listed as GE model U8B, and apparently the first to use the cast floating bolster cast truck that would become the standard road type truck on subsequent production of the Cat powered GE Universals. These were meter gauge powered by Caterpillar D398 series V-12 engines.
GE records show the first order was actually built with Cat D398A engines, while the later deliveries had Cat D398B engines (same as the U10B). The original U8B was rated at 900/840 hp, the U10B was originally rated at 1050/950 hp. These followed the first UM10B units built (M was "Modified" as not to confuse them with the cataloged but never built original U10B Cooper-Bessemer powered road switchers). I believe these are most commonly referred to as U8B, and as a matter of contract latter units may have been derated U10B for consistency. Until someone comes up with better information or photos of the builder plates ....
The difference between GE models wasn't always a clean break, more of an evolution. These all had the U5B/U8B carbody with the flat cab back running hood forward. Subsequent U6B/U10B production changed to cab forward with a modified peaked cab end and different door and window arrangement.
At last report, several have been re-engined with newer Cat 3516 engines (Cat marketed a kit to do this, reuses the main generator and 3516 is derated to match former D398 series) and are still in service, though recent purchases from China may threaten them.
