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 type Diesel-electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Model 25-ton Build date 1941–1974 Total produced ~550
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-4-0DE  • AAR B  • UIC B Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 33 or 34 inches (838 or 864 mm) Minimum curve 40 ft (12.19 m) Length: ​  • Over couplers 18 ft 2 in (5.54 m)  • Over body 16 ft 0.5 in (4,890 mm) Width 8 ft 5.5 in (2,578 mm) Height 10 ft 7.375 in (3,235 mm) Loco weight 25 short tons (22 long tons; 23 t) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 75 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 mover Cummins HBI-600 Displacement 672 cu in (11.01 L) Generator General Electric GT-1503 Traction motors General Electric GE-733 ​  • Continuous 349 amperes Cylinders 6 Cylinder size 4.875 in × 6 in (123.8 mm × 152.4 mm) Gear ratio 19.1:1 Double reduction
Performance figures Maximum speed 20 mph (32 km/h) Power output 150 hp (110 kW) Tractive effort 15,000 lbf (67 kN) Factor of adh. 30%
Career Operators United States Armed Forces, many industrial customers, some railroads Nicknames Critter Locale North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Central America, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia Disposition Many 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.