GE 25-ton switcher

GE 25-ton Switcher
A GE 25-ton switcher in Brazil. This example has been converted to meter-gauge.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGE Transportation Systems
Model25-ton
Build date1941–1974
Total produced~550
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-4-0DE
 • AARB
 • UICB
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter33 or 34 inches (838 or 864 mm)
Minimum curve40 ft (12.19 m)
Length:
 • Over couplers18 ft 2 in (5.54 m)
 • Over body16 ft 0.5 in (4,890 mm)
Width8 ft 5.5 in (2,578 mm)
Height10 ft 7.375 in (3,235 mm)
Loco weight25 short tons (22 long tons; 23 t)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity75 US gal (280 L; 62 imp gal)
Lubricant cap.5 US gal (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
Coolant cap.11 US gal (42 L; 9.2 imp gal)
Sandbox cap.5 cu ft (0.14 m3)
Prime moverCummins HBI-600
Displacement672 cu in (11.01 L)
GeneratorGeneral Electric GT-1503
Traction motorsGeneral Electric GE-733 ​
 • Continuous349 amperes
Cylinders6
Cylinder size4.875 in × 6 in (123.8 mm × 152.4 mm)
Gear ratio19.1:1 Double reduction
Performance figures
Maximum speed20 mph (32 km/h)
Power output150 hp (110 kW)
Tractive effort15,000 lbf (67 kN)
Factor of adh.30%
Career
OperatorsUnited States Armed Forces, many industrial customers, some railroads
NicknamesCritter
LocaleNorth America, South America, Africa, Europe, Central America, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia
DispositionMany retired and scrapped, some in service, a few preserved in museums
Statistics sourced from [1]

The GE 25-ton switcher (also known as a 25-tonner) is a model of diesel-electric switcher locomotive that was produced by GE Transportation at their Erie, Pennsylvania, facility between 1941 and 1974. Most examples were produced for industrial customers or the United States Armed Forces, although a number of examples were purchased by freight railroads as well. The majority of production was for customers in the United States and Canada, but export models were produced for buyers on five continents. Production totaled approximately 550 units over 33 years, making it one of the most widely produced switchers in American history.

The small size, low top speed (20 mph or 32 km/h) and low power output (150 hp or 110 kW) of the locomotive made it unsuitable for much beyond switching duties. GE specifically marketed the locomotive as an industrial switcher with a low cost. Many 25-tonners operated for decades, and into the 21st century. A number have been preserved at museums, where some continue to perform switching duties.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).