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.
These engines were designed primarily for switching duties (moving railroad cars to and from loading/unloading facilities, as well as making up and breaking down trains), with both low power output and low top speed for a locomotive. While not very capable of hauling mainline trains, these features made it cheaper than most other locomotives. For rail-served industries, military installations, and other customers who only needed locomotives for switching and could rely on railroad companies to haul their trains elsewhere, this made it an attractive purchase, and GE specifically marketed the locomotive towards such customers.
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.
Today there are a few of these engines that were preserved in museums while many retired and scrapped, and some in service.
Trivia[]
- PIKO manufactures a G scale model of the 25-tonner. Manufacturer Grandt Line also produces 25-tonner models in HO scale.
- GE claimed in advertising that the locomotive could reduce the time needed to switch cars by 50 percent, with an availability rating of 97.7 percent – figures which far exceeded those of maintenance-heavy steam locomotives. The 25-tonner's small size also allowed it to fit in places where larger locomotives could not, an asset in industrial facilities and yards where clearances were often low.
- The 25-tonners have been nicknamed "critters" by operators and railfans alike, due to their small size. This nickname is shared with similar GE products such as the closely related 23-ton switcher.
- While most examples were built in 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge, GE produced models anywhere between 3 ft (914 mm) gauge and standard gauge. Some 25-tonners were built to meter-gauge and exported to Brazil.
- Some examples of users include grain elevators, U.S. military facilities, steel mills, and commuter railroads.
- The 25-Tonners operated by the Long Island Railroad were nicknamed Dinkys because they were so small.
Gallery[]
_(14778733323).jpg "Electric railway journal (1918) (14778733323).jpg (1.02 MB)")
