GE Dash 8-40BW

GE Dash 8-40BW
A BNSF Dash 8-40BW
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderGE Transportation
ModelDash 8-40BW
Build date1988; 1990-1992
Total produced84
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter40 in (1.016 m)
Wheelbase9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
Length66 ft 4 in (20.22 m)
Width10 ft 1.5 in (3.09 m)
Height15 ft 4.5 in (4.69 m)
Loco weight280,000 lb (127,006 kg)
Prime moverGE FDL
Performance figures
Maximum speed70 mph (113 km/h)
Power output4,000 hp (3,000 kW)
Tractive effort68,000 lb (30,844 kg)
Career
OperatorsSee tables
ClassB40-8W
LocaleWestern United States
DispositionOne preserved, most in storage, remainder in service

The GE Dash 8-40BW, or B40-8W, is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) in the late 1980s and the early 1990s. It is part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives.

The locomotive model designation is interpreted as follows: B (B type truck arrangement, 2 axles per truck) 40 (4000 horsepower) -8 (the generation when it was designed, in this case meaning the late 1980s) W (Widecab).

ATSF was the only railroad to order the B40-8W, and a B unit (cabless booster unit) was almost made with it, but because the price would have been the same for B40-8Ws with cabs or without, they decided to order units with cabs only. [citation needed]

All of ATSF's B40-8Ws were passed on to BNSF Railway, with some later sold to other railroads.