User:Grefox/GN boxcab (3 phase)



The Great Northern Railway's boxcab electrics comprised of four electric locomotives with AAR B+B wheel arrangements. The locomotives were used on the 2.5 mi original Cascade Tunnel near Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountain range.

The locomotive carbodies were built by ALCO, and the electrical equipment was supplied by General Electric. These four locomotives represent the only three-phase AC locomotives ever used in North America.

In 1925 construction on the current Cascade Tunnel began. The Great Northern would adopt a two-phase system for their electrification expansion. The new system was installed from Skyhomish, Washington to Wenatchee, Washington. In 1927 the boxcabs were replaced by the Z-1 class electrics. The new Cascade Tunnel opened in 1929 eliminating 9 miles from the mainline, including the original 2.5 mile tunnel.