Nostalgia & History > 2nd generation six-axle GE power the NWP in the 1970's.

In previous posts, I have shown big 6 axle power on the NWP. Research done by Angelo Figone has shown six-axle 2nd generation SP power on the NWP as late as 1978. .  A few engines went all the way to Eureka.  Here is a picture I shot in the summer of 1974 in the Willits yard showing a GE -U33C. Most of the run through power was EMD SD-40s, 45's. T's, and occasional SD-35's. These units were used almost exclusively on #75, the PSSE which was one of the hottest freights on the SP system with an all SP Cotten Belt routing for fifth morning delivery of Redwood Empire lumber to East St. Louis.  
Mke Pechner photo, Copyright, 2020, "All Right Reserved."

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I know they all look the same, but 8696 is a U33C. SP never owned any U36C locomotives.
Reference: Southern Pacific Diesel Locomotive Compendium Volume 2.

Nice shot. Those SP U33Cs were so distinctive with their cab-roof lights and L-shaped windshields.

PHall Wrote:
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> I know they all look the same, but 8696 is a U33C.
> SP never owned any U36C locomotives.
> Reference: Southern Pacific Diesel Locomotive
> Compendium Volume 2.

It woulld be understandable to confuse late SP U33 with a U36C spotting feature with the low vent near the radiator. 

Thanks for the correction!

Interesting to hear the concept behind the ' PSSE  ' designation.
t4p.

Not according to the train orders I have. Yes, six axle SD40/45 were power for the NWPPSSE, but about half the time. Big six axles stopped going to Eureka in the early 70s



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/20 08:28 by WAF.

Those big GE's didn't get north of Oakland/Roseville very often. I suspect catching this one in Willits was a very rare event. It would be really interesting if one ever made it all the way to Eureka. Anyone have photos of such a move?

Never seen a record of one getting north of Willits. Getting north of Roseville was more common than you think especially when things got really short handed in 77-78. East of Oakland, very common in the 70s



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/28/20 14:58 by WAF.