GE Dash 8-32BWH

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 Dash8'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.

Design
The Dash 8-32BWH operates in a diesel-electric configuration that uses DC to power the traction motors, the 7FDL-V12 diesel engine produces 3200 hp at 1047 rpm. When providing head end power to the train, the engine is speed locked to 900 rpm. Power output to the traction motors is 2700 HP when running in HEP mode with a 0 kW HEP load. Traction horsepower decreases to 1685 HP when providing the maximum 800 kW HEP load to the train.

The Dash 8-32BWH has a 74:29 gear ratio, resulting in a maximum operating speed of 103 mph in passenger operation.

History


By 1990, Amtrak was looking to supplement its EMD F40PH fleet, which was beginning to show its age. Though Amtrak first explored the experimental EMD F69PHAC, cost concerns prompted the company to pursue a modification of an existing freight locomotive instead. Twenty of these locomotives were delivered to Amtrak in 1991, numbered 500 through 519 (two were funded by the California Department of Transportation for use in that state). The locomotives were built by GE Transportation as a modification of their existing Dash 8-32B with the addition of head-end power for supplying passenger cars, a comfort cab, and a number of changes to locomotive internals to meet Amtrak's requirements for weight and performance. To provide enough room for a second alternator (to support head-end power generation) these locomotives were built on the frame of a Dash 8-40BW.

The locomotives were delivered in a wide-striped red, white and blue livery, which angled upward across the middle of the body. The similarity to the design of Pepsi packaging led to the units being nicknamed "Pepsi Cans". By 2023, all units had been repainted into a standard Amtrak scheme.

Originally used across the Amtrak system on passenger trains, the fleet has since been primarily relegated to yard switching (mainly in Los Angeles, Oakland, Chicago, and Miami), but locomotives are sometimes called upon to pull mainline trains when a locomotive from Amtrak's fleet of GE Genesis and Siemens Charger units are unavailable. As of 2023, 16 remain in active service with Amtrak, which has held on to them for their reliability and ease of maintenance despite their age.

Two of the locomotives, 501 and 502, were sold to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The locomotives were renumbered 2051 and 2052, and received the Amtrak California paint scheme. They are used on the San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor trains.