Locomotives / Train Sets

GE Dash 8-32BWH (Pepsi Cans)

Diesel Locomotive

Series: "Dash 8"

Entry Last Edited: 01/17/2024 | Content ©www.RailRoadJunction.net | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image of the GE Dash 8-32BWH (Pepsi Cans)

With their best days behind them, the AMTRAK Dash 8-32BWH diesel-powered units continue to serve in second-line roles today.

The 8-32BWH is an AMTRAK diesel-powered locomotive unit designed, developed, and manufactured by GE (General Electric) Transportation Systems of the United States. It is based in the GE "Dash 8" diesel-electric locomotive series built from 1983 into 1994 for mainly freight-hauling ventures. The design was adopted by AMTRAK to succeed an aging stock of EMD F40PH models detailed elsewhere. The company went on to commission some twenty total units which were produced by GE from 1990 to 1991. The initial loco was delivered in 1991 and, in their original color scheme, came to be known as "Pepsi Cans" by observers.

The 8-32BWH is also known by the designations of P32-8BWH, B32-8WH, and P32-8.

Its wheel configuration in the UIC notation is Bo'Bo' while, in the AAR approach, this becomes B-B. The wheel diameter is 40 inches. The propulsion system is of diesel makeup, relying on the GE 7FDL-12 series V12 four-stroke turbocharged engine as prime mover with an RPM range up to 1,050 and continuous output power of 3,200 horsepower. This can propel the unit to rail speeds of 103 miles-per-hour (166kmh) in "clean" setups. A GMG 195A1 serves as the alternator and the traction motor setup is comprised of 4 x GE 752AH DC traction motor units. The braking system is dynamic and electropneumatic in nature. Safety systems include FRA as well as ACSES II.

Overall length of the locomotive is 66.3 feet with the beam measuring 9.11 feet and the height being 15.3 feet. The unit weighs 275,000lb.

The base design of the locomotive is traditional by current standards with the driving cab set over and aft of the nose (hood). There are walkways featured to either side of the unit as well as access staircases at all four corners of the frame. The engine takes up a major portion of the locomotive. Fuel stores are held under the sides. The driver takes up his position at front-right in typical U.S. arrangement with rectangular windows positioned ahead looking out over the hood. Access doors are found in the nose as well as at the driving compartment rear wall.

Since the newer Siemens "Charger" and GE GENESIS designs have taken over much of the AMTRAK passenger-hauling duties, the 8-32BWH is utilized in second-line roles such as yard switching where its value can still be extended for the company. The series can also be pressed into its original service roles when a substitute is required. Caltrans of California is the only other known operator of the design where two units operate in the San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor routes.

Serial Nos. span 500 to 519 with AMTRAK and 2051-2052 with Caltrans.

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Specifications [ GE Dash 8-32BWH (Pepsi Cans) ]

GE Transportation Systems (General Electric) - USA
Builder

United States
Origin

1990 - 1991
Production Run

20 units
Production Total

Front-Right
Driver Position

20.2m | 66.3 ft
Length
NOTE: May include length of entire train set

125,000 kg
(275,625 lb | 138 US Tons)
Weight

Diesel
Power Source

1 x GE (General Electric) 7FDL-12 V12 four-stroke turbocharged diesel engine of 3,200 horsepower.
Engine / Drive Source

4 x GE (General Electric) 752AH DC traction motors.
Traction Motor / Sets

3,200 hp
Rated Output Power

166.0 kph
(103.2 mph)
Max Speed

Wheel Arrangement
(Loco Facing Left)

ACSES

ACSESII

FRA

Safety Systems

Series Variants
Dash 8-32BWH - Base Series Designation.
"Pepsi Cans" - Series nickname due to original AMTRAK livery.
P32-8BWH - Alternative designation.
B32-8WH - Alternative designation.
P32-8 - Alternative designation.

Operating Countries
United States

Customers / Operators:
AMTRAK; Caltrans (California Department of Transportation)
NOTE: Includes both past and present

Image of the GE Dash 8-32BWH (Pepsi Cans)

Right side view of a Dash 8-32BWH diesel locomotive in AMTRAK livery.
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