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  The Union Pacific Railroad (UP) operated the largest fleet of gas turbine-electric locomotives (GTELs) of any railroad in the world. The prototype, UP 50, was the first in a series built by General Electric (GE) for the UP's long-haul cargo services and marketed by the ALCO-GE partnership until 1953. The prototype was introduced in 1948 and was followed by three series of production locomotives.

  The third generation was the most powerful and the last batch of turbines ordered by the UP. The third generation was rated at 8,500 HP. The locomotive had three separate units. The first 'A' unit was a cab unit with a 850 HP diesel locomotive inside. The second 'B' unit contained the turbine which had an output of 8,500 HP. The third 'C' unit was a tender to extend the locomotive's range. Within one year of their service, GTELs hauled more than 10% of the UP's freight.


Original Design.