GE Dash 8-32BWH

GE Dash 8-32BWH
Amtrak No. 505 leading the Sunset Limited through Cade, Louisiana
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Model Dash 8-32BWH Build date 1990–1991 Total produced 20
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Trucks General Electric Floating Bolster (FB2) Wheel diameter 40 in (1,016 mm) Minimum curve 150 ft (46 m) / 39° (single unit) 175 ft (53 m) / 33° (coupled) Wheelbase 39 ft 8 in (12.09 m) (between truck centers) Length 66 ft 4 in (20.22 m) Width 9 ft 11+1⁄4 in (3.029 m) Height 15 ft 4 in (4.67 m) Axle load 79,148.3 lb (35,901 kg) Adhesive weight 100% Loco weight 274,890 lb (124,688 kilograms) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 1,800 US gal (6,800 L; 1,500 imp gal) Lubricant cap. 365 US gal (1,380 L; 304 imp gal) Coolant cap. 350 US gal (1,300 L; 290 imp gal) Sandbox cap. 26 cubic feet (740 L) Prime mover GE 7FDL-12 RPM range 400-1,050 (720 or 900 when supplying HEP) Engine type 45° V12, four stroke cycle Aspiration Turbocharged Displacement 131.4 liters (8,020 cu in) Alternator GMG 195A1 Traction motors 4 GE 752AH DC traction motors Head end power Alternator-driven head-end power (GTA 33A1) Cylinders 12 Cylinder size 10.95 liters (668 cu in) [1] Transmission AC-DC MU working Yes Train heating Locomotive-supplied head-end power, 800 kW (1,100 hp) Loco brake Dynamic / Electropneumatic Train brakes Pneumatic Safety systems FRA standards ACSES II
Performance figures Maximum speed 103 mph (166 km/h) Power output 3,200 hp (2.4 MW) Tractive effort Continuous: 38,500 lbf (17,500 kgf) @26 mph (42 km/h) Factor of adh. 4.472
Career Operators Amtrak Amtrak California Numbers 500–519 (Amtrak) 2051–2052 (Caltrans) Nicknames Pepsi Cans Locale United States Delivered 1991 Disposition Operational, used primarily for yard switching and backup motive power (Amtrak) San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor trains (Caltrans)

The GE Dash 8-32BWH, also known as the P32-8BWH, B32-8WH, or P32-8, is a diesel-electric locomotive used by Amtrak in passenger train service, based on the GE Dash 8 Series of freight train locomotives. Built in 1991, they were the first locomotives purchased to replace the EMD F40PH. Amtrak originally used the Dash 8's on mainline trains but later used them largely for switching in yards, only being used on mainline trains when newer GE Genesis locomotives were unavailable. As of 2023, 16 of the original 20 remain in service with Amtrak, including two owned by Caltrans for use on Amtrak California services.