[GL][T-107] GE's Oddball Engines.. The Unsuccessful C39-8 and B39-8 Techni-Toaster Locomotives..

Despite the success of General Electric's Dash-8 diesel locomotive line, there were a few outcasts in the lineup.. The C39-8 and B39-8 were two locomotive models that never quite fit the bill....
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Trains 21 is a documentary of railroading in the 21st century and a look at the fascinating world of transportation. On this channel we deal with all aspects of railroading with a strong focus on the Northeast USA. New videos are uploaded frequently and if you like what you see, comment, like and subscribe.
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[@Maine_Railfan]

A few corrections, MMA no longer exists after the Lac-Megantic disaster, and the C39-8's (all 4 of them) have been sold to LTEX. 3 are there currently, and 1 is still at CMQ's shop. The plan at the time was to restructure the railroads motive power by purchasing the 4 C39-8's. The plan was to rebuild them to -9 specs, and convert them to run off of LPG. They also purchased 4 exUP SD90/43MAC-H's with the intentions of rebuilding those and running them off of LPG, and then pairing a C39-8 and a SD90 together as a road pair. The MMA at the time was starting to phase out the B39-8's since they were worn out, and the plan was to cut the locomotive fleet in half, and return the 15 or so CITX/CP lease units they had. On a side note, Lac-Megantic is not pronounced "Willamantic" but rather "Lac-meg-antick".

[@Trains21]

Thanks for that bevy of info.. Me and the viewers appreciate it.

[@lnproductions3227]

Really interesting information

[@Thunderbolt_1000_Siren]

@@Trains21 Also only 1 C39-8 is operational now in the whole US. Pennsylvania Northeastern 8212 runs infrequently on PN W230 usually between 10pm and 2am (it ran daylight W230s tempoarily during the Covoid 19 crisis due to reduced SEPTA service) it's sister 8211 died in New Hope thanks to it's blown turbocharger and is now a parts source for 8212. 8211 currently sits on New Hope's deadline in Buckingham Valley along with 2 CSX B36-7s and C30-7 7087. 8212 is usually found in Lansdale sitting in the yard only being fired up at night for W230 when needed due to being disliked by crews and the fact 8212 and 5342 (SD40-2W) are the only 2 engines with SEPTA cab signals on PN's fleet (necessary since W230 uses SEPTA tracks between Lansdale and Warminster turning around at either Glenside or Jenkintown) rumor had it that 8212 would be replaced by 2 SD60s (Ex CSX 8701 and 8711) but since both do not have SEPTA cab signals and it'd be a pain in the ass to configure them with the necessary cab signals, they're gonna keep 8212 running til they run out of parts and she dies. thankfully so far last I saw the engine while having spots of rust here and there the unit still is in good order and the occasional smoke she bellows is normal for a GE and not volcanic like 8211's was.

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

So cp has 4 dash 8s ?

[@j.christopherlindsey8933]

Despite all my attempts at getting hired on with NS, I've been a fan since I could talk some 30 years ago. I remember my father making the hour or more drive for me to Bluefield just to see the coal trains in the yard back in the 80's. The C39-8 is what stands out most; unique in appearance and quite prevalent in my memory.

[@Trains21]

I envy the memories you have with your father and hope that you get your wish with NS.

[@realcanadianrailfan110]

MMA had the crude train derailment in Lac Megantic, Quebec. That was the beginning of the end for them as their owner/CEO put his railway into bankruptcy to protect his own assets against the multi-million dollar lawsuits. A subsidiary of Fortress Investment Group in New York City bought MMA"S assets after placing a "stalking horse bid" for it. Great info in the video, as usual AC! :)

[@Trains21]

Thanks Canadian.. And thanks for the additional enlightment!

[@realcanadianrailfan110]

@@Trains21 You're welcome AC! :)

[@TrainTrackTrav]

I have always had a thing for unusual or obscure loco models. The C39s look kinda cool because of their distinctive hump behind the cab. I met a former ATSF engineer who said he didn't care for the LMX B39s. He described them as "slippery".

[@Trains21]

Very interesting.. I always found that hump cool too.. Gave them a tough, brutish look.. Especially the NS ones being all black.. Thanks for that little slice of info.

[@iusetano]

Excellent video AC. Loved it. That oil train disaster was Lac Magantic, Quebec. I think everyone has probably helped you out already. Good community.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Hans.. Good community indeed.

[@rockguitarist931]

The C39's and B39's with the oddball cabs are some of my favorite diesels.

[@donstor1]

I always wondered about these locos. I never hear anyone talk about them. Thank you.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Don.. Probably because they haven't been around on Class 1s in over a decade.

[@cmdrflake]

What got GE going was the introduction of computerized control, remote telemetry reporting and remote diagnostics. The D8-40 series blew EMD away, as they were building the unloved 60 series units. I was given a look at the D8-40B demonstrator, and the GE technician was visibly proud of the unit. It generated sales to Conrail, CSX, NS and Susquehanna during this time.

[@Trains21]

Thanks for that additional info Commander.. I enjoy having you as part of the community.

[@herinol]

Man i love these types of videos Nice job AC!

[@Trains21]

Thanks Herin.. There's plenty more where this one came from!

[@dacuzzz]

great video with great info..thx for sharing.. vinny

[@Trains21]

No problem Vinny

[@RiverLineProductions]

Interesting Video... I always wondered about those leaser B39-8Es... I always saw them around and didn't know where they came from. Now I know!

[@Trains21]

Thanks!! Glad I could help..

[@PC10.8]

1:42 Lots went to Peru to work on the FCCA where they are painted in a Conrail inspired scheme

[@ALL-bj7mj]

1 went to Brasil Ferrovias of Brasil.

[@PC10.8]

ALL #9510 that’s cool I didn’t know that :)

[@CDTX2051Guy]

@@PC10.8 yeah they went to FCCA I have a friend from Peru and he sees C39-8s and they even sold 1 C40-8W? Or something and it was a ex conrail/CSX

[@TheNomadicRailfan]

Great video, AC. Very informative!

[@Trains21]

Thanks Scott.

[@MacquarieRidge]

Probably my favorite locomotive. Love how boxy they are ❤

[@tombell108]

WOW! I knew that the GE C39-8s had some issues but I didn't know they were that bad! Perhaps you should do either a series or just 1 VIDEO on GEs oddball LOCOMOTIVES! Like the 2 unique C32-8 ( CONRAIL) the B32-8 NORFOLK SOUTHERN. AND the BN B30-7B UNIT! AND several other GE LOCOMOTIVES that come to mind! One thing I heard some years ago was that the GE C39-8s were fairly successful. OH and don't forget the GE -940C standard CAB! Another unique LOCOMOTIVE type to NS! AND perhaps next you may like to do EMD ODDBALLS Like the BL2. GP30 ETC!

[@Trains21]

I've done some of those videos and the Dash-8s as a class were successful but the 39s were the exception..

[@tombell108]

@@Trains21 How true!

[@DarkTerritory71]

Number 8547 you mentioned, the twin #8560 is in Hunstville Alabama working on the port. (I say it's the twin) looks like it,same paint "leasing scheme" I got some pics if youd like them? Just as a side note? AC, these are the type videos I love! Passing that knowledge along! Thank you! Very informative!💯

[@Trains21]

Thanks Mark.. By all means I'd love to see your pics.. Check out the "About" section for my email address.. I'll put them in a video.

[@EFC429]

Dont forget the prototypes: GE C36-8 #607 (03/1983) & B36-8 #606 (10/1982). These two have a pretty interesting history being rebuilt again and again. #606 was rebuilt into B39-8E #808 in 1986 and then B40-8W #809 in 1988. C36-8 #607 was upgraded to C39-8 standards in 1984 and then converted to burn Coal Slurry Fuel in 1992 and then became the Dash 9 prototype as C39-9 #899 in 1993.

[@Trains21]

Thanks for all of that info!

[@EFC429]

@@Trains21 no prob!

[@FDNY8231]

I loved the C39's ... Know as the "Camel" for the hump behind the cab ... Video was too short for me ... I was looking for some action shots ... Yeah even harder to get now .... : o(

[@Trains21]

Thanks Man.. But I wasn't shooting video at the time.. Only pics.

[@javierrprailfan]

you can try to find videos from Peru.. "Ferrocarril Central Andino" or "FCCA" many C39-8's are working here. like this videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV7CaJyYeJqCabc or this that is mine, where can be seen a B39-8E and a couple of C39-8's in some parts of the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYPSpIWYr6pmfc0

[@ALL-bj7mj]

All C39-8s went to Peru, 1 C32-8 went to Brasil Ferrovias….the C32-8 blew and was used for parts for C30-7s....

[@Trains21]

Thanks for the info Shawn.

[@ALL-bj7mj]

@@Trains21a internet search will bring up a few pics of the BF C32-8...its my understanding it was only running for just a tad over a year.....what a shame...i woulda love to seen it in ALL paint....i may have to model it that way....i do have a railpower shell for my BF though.

[@Trains21]

@@ALL-bj7mj Cool.. Thanks!

[@daniellucas6573]

I believe that the Conrail version were that of initially the C32-8; only to be uprated to the C39-8 class engine. NS owned the solid C39-8 engine, set up for long hood forward operations. Resplendent of that of the steam engines of years past, and seen as a means of safety & protection for the crew.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Daniel.. I knew about the safety concerns that went into the long hood forward decision (though I never saw the logic in it). I also knew of the C32s but I didn't know that they were the precursor to the C39s.. Much appreciated for that additional info.. Keep chiming in.

[@seanpepple6110]

great info keep up the awesome work

[@Trains21]

Thanks Sean.. I plan too.

[@DruSteel69]

Awesome video, AC.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Drew.

[@nigelrichardson4327]

I remember there was an LMX Dash-8 on the Nashville and Eastern RR managing to retain its LMX paint in excellent condition but it recently fell to RJC red and grey

[@Trains21]

Yeah.. I just saw that engine (in a video) a few weeks ago.. Was wondering if the N&E and N&W locos would be painted red.. Guess I have my answer.

[@nigelrichardson4327]

Trains21 so far only the LMX and warbonnet ones have been painted to RJC (considering they were the only ones without N&E logos on the roster) the rest of the units have remained untouched... for now? It’s a bit unknown right now if or when RJC will repaint the rest of the roster

[@strenesperu9956]

hey boi im a peruvian guy i live on Peru and i can confirm there are C39-08 here, there also C39-8P, rebuilt version of C39 so they can pass thru narrow andes tunnels

[@Trains21]

Cool, thanks for that info!

[@cameron.s.9368]

Central Maine and Quebec railway was now sold to Canadian Pacific. I believe March 31st 2020 Canadian Pacific will be in full operation of the fairly large system

[@spacecalander]

Great info Thanks!

[@Trains21]

No problem!

[@tomtodd7744]

Southerners typically loved the High Hoods from my understanding. Before the NS merger in 1982. BOTH the N&W AND The Southern railway ran their diesels with BOTH the high hood AND long hood forward. Crews on BOTH roads loved them even after the merger. Many High Hoods continued to serve the NS into the 1990s and Early 2000s.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Tom.

[@tomtodd7744]

@@Trains21 your welcome. I am a southerner myself.

[@Trains21]

@@tomtodd7744 So am I (in a way). My family's from Alabama. :-) I was born up north :-(

[@rickkilimun5430]

AC I think the fire you're referring to was in Lac-Megantic, PQ

[@Trains21]

Yep.. I realized that after I made the video.. Thanks.

[@timothyandelmo541]

My most fav loco of all time i have both c39s in pnrr n absolutely love em

[@Trains21]

NIce.. I'll bet they make great models.

[@tommytemplar1335]

I love a high hood, and LHF

[@Trains21]

As a railfan, perfectly understandable.. As a crewman you'd probably hate em'.

[@jonathansabatino3987]

That is a great video i like the info

[@Trains21]

Thanks Jonathan, I enjoy having you along this journey

[@lnproductions3227]

For anyone wondering NSSX stands for National Savage and Service Corp with it being sold off to The MMA being placed in storage there in 2012 and there are no other pictures of MMA 8207 (Ex-CR, NS, NSSX 8207)

[@javierrprailfan]

some C39-8's have been acquired by FCCA from Peru some years ago.. re-numbered 1012(derailed), 1014, 1015(derailed), 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022 and some other were modified an adapted to work in lower tunnels and were numbered 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030(with the colors of CONRAIL as a tribute), 1031, 1032 and another again re-numbered 1012. Here we still can see some C30-7 modified to fit in tunnels Finally there's one GE B39-8E P.S: visit my channel, I have many videos of peruvian trains!

[@Trains21]

Nice.. Thanks for that information.

[@CoalChrome]

MMA have 3 C39s. and here in the south, crews generally likd the high hoods, a hold over from the Southern where they did it for transition era crews (and never broke the habit), they also had long hood forward locos for the same reason, a habit that NS inheretied it seems.

[@Trains21]

Thanks for the exposition.

[@CoalChrome]

@@Trains21 you're welcome.

[@itsherbert6233]

For everybody out there: NSSX is the National Salvage and Service Corporation

[@satellites7889]

I thought this comment belonged to one of my deleted channels...

[@jamielacourse7578]

Some think that train was set loose by some kids but has never been satisfactorily proven.

[@PalmerSubRailVideos]

when the MMA was running, they had quite a few B39-8E's, all ex LMX, only two ever got repainted into the MMA paint in their time on the MMA (8569 and 8592)

[@Trains21]

Cool.. Thanks for the info.

[@BuckeyeNationRailroader]

I love the C39-8's

[@Trains21]

I like them too.

[@crsrdash-840b5]

What are other spotting differences between the 8-39 series and the 8-40 series of standard cab units? I know the horsepower was different, but was there anything else?

[@Trains21]

The 39-8 had a hump behind the cab hence they were often referred to as humpbacks or camelbacks.

[@litespan466]

Trains21 they almost looked like a Conrail E44 electric without the pantograph. Saw the two still running in landsdale pa.

[@AppValleyRailProductions]

First and awesome video!

[@Trains21]

Thanks Man.. Haven't heard from you in a while.. Glad to see that you're still chiming in!

[@AppValleyRailProductions]

@@Trains21 yes sir ive been here for a while just haven't commented

[@Trains21]

Well, it's nice to know that you're still on for the ride.

[@chunkpowers]

CSOR Connecticut Southern Railroad has some of the B-39's

[@Cnw8701]

The LMX units, anyway.

[@Trains21]

Cool.. I didn't know that.

[@tylersebring8045]

Dont forget the Burlington northern had the ge b39-8 but they were a smaller version of the c39s and look up a photo of b39-8 and csx c39s were rare cause ns had most of the conrail ones

[@spacetruckerrob]

The BN had 4 B32-8 which where recently returned to GE! The B39-8 were actually the LMX lease units! none were painted in BN colors!

[@brianburns7211]

The LMX B39-8 sucked! I ran them on BN. All -8 units were junk. Sales numbers don’t tell the whole story.

[@tomstrainsproductions]

andd they appeared as D8-40B

[@EpicThe112]

Speaking of the c39 locomotive there should be a national Transportation safety board United States and Transportation safety board Canada warning because of the Quebec oil train crash summer of 2013

[@tylersebring8045]

There are 3 c39s left at the national railway equipment company

[@Trains21]

Cool. Thanks.

[@chrish3329]

It’s funny how many B39’s we have in CT right now...

[@brianburns7211]

I ran them on BN, and they were terrible.

[@seaboardspastic]

@@brianburns7211 Same issues like the C39s?

[@phaloxx]

B-39’s we’re super popular on the BN in the 90’s. Things were literally everywhere

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

3:58 The Lac Megantic Wreck?

[@tonygyder9717]

The C39-8 isn’t gettin it’s credit in this video..... without them we wouldn’t have the D9’s and all the rest that came behind them..... these and the 32’s were the nail in the coffin for EMD’s sales in the east ..... there is a lot of holes here...... let’s be honest trains crews will complain about anything that isn’t brand new..... and real engineer will not deny the pulling power from these

[@Trains21]

Everything you mentioned I touched on in the video.. I said that GE makes reliable locomotives, I said that the Dash-8s put GE on top.. Which Dash 8 model specifically did that could be just a matter of opinion, just like the crews opinions of them.. I pointed out what I was told.. Naturally, every crewman has their own opinions.. Thanks for chiming in.

[@ronbrennan4632]

Train s21 actually itwas11miles from Western maine border I think 66 cars loaded with fraction oil rolled out of control when brakes failed to hold on an idling train engineer got done with the shift other workers were supposed to be taken over train picked up speed crashed into downtown lack mc guntic. Quebec many people killed burn to death terrible accident and it's not settled yet that engine you where talking about mmc has gone bankrupt your videos are great thanks Ron rdzl mb616 om616

[@Trains21]

Thanks for that info Ron.

[@lnproductions3227]

Here's what NSSX Stands for @Trains21,National Salvage and Service Corporation.

[@Trains21]

Thanks for finding that out.

[@lnproductions3227]

Trains21 no problem A.C.

[@SantaFe19484]

Nice video! I like GEs better.

[@Trains21]

You're probably in the minority on that one!

[@SantaFe19484]

@@Trains21I probably started liking GEs best once I learned that many of my household appliances are made by the same company that makes locomotives.

[@Trains21]

@@SantaFe19484 Some say that GE should've stuck to making toasters but then again, they've been around (building locos) longer than EMD.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

I never understood why NS ordered low hoods, then flipped the controll stand to go long hood forward. Its just dumb.

[@thedesertdwellerfromutah4354]

NS in general is Dumb!

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

Crash protection

[@EasternCoastProductions]

That South American country is Peru

[@EasternCoastProductions]

Also, NSSX is National Salvage and Service, 8682 also went to NSSX in Dec 2010

[@Trains21]

Thanks Man.. Appreciate the additional info.

[@rdarktemplar1989]

mexico does have some of them

[@Trains21]

Ok thanks.

[@geac9100]

NSSX: National Salvage and Service Corporation

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

From the sound of it they were rushed when they were bulit

[@logandetwiler4483]

Ohio central system has some ex conrail c39-8s

[@Trains21]

Thanks Logan.. I didn't know that.

[@logandetwiler4483]

NS had a lot of these

[@Trains21]

Yep.

[@hakeemsd70m]

I'm still salty that I never got to see a single one of them in person. Do you guys know when NS retired the last of their fleet?

[@northjerseyrailfan9326]

Yes the mma went bankrupt because of the runaway oil train in 2013

[@Trains21]

Thanks.. I thought so.

[@northjerseyrailfan9326]

Trains21 another factor of why they went bankrupt is old equipment and and not enough funds to do the needed repairs on the 20+ year olds engines, but anyway thanks for sharing.

[@Trains21]

@@northjerseyrailfan9326 Thanks for that little nugget of info Conrail Guy.. I didn't know that..

[@geraldgreen5371]

Thanx....another Conrail gem.

[@Trains21]

@@geraldgreen5371 Anytime.. I have plenty more to show you.

[@NERRP2017]

These aren’t bad locomotives in general, but bad things

[@andrestone1849]

The C39-8 were very successful and were basically the early version of the C40-8. The C39-8E car body was the evolution of the C40's. Other than the increased horse power, the engine, motor, electronic and trucks were basically identical. NS C39's were inservice for more than 20 years. That's a very good record.

[@dennisyoung4631]

Sooty Train!

[@robotravioli1135]

oe p ctmre esa so la makina del ferrocarril central xdddd

[@davebolyard6808]

I don't know how to assuxb

[@unity3596]

Thicc -8

[@mathewsmith2650]

mma railroad went bankrupt because of a runaway oil train derailment at Lac-Megantic Quebec

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Matthew

[@Cessna-er4je]

*Mmmmmm 420 likes*

[@danhoyland142]

Do you talk like this when girls are around?

[@danhoyland142]

I was just joking. I’m a closet foamer myself but I set ground rules for myself to not let it get out of hand. This guy is just so knowledgeable it would overwhelming for the average person ie especially the ladies. I think he’s cool though. I came clean to my wife when we started dating. She knows the rules that if we travel anywhere she wants to go the exception is we have to visit a new train museum I haven’t been to yet. She rolls her eyes and agrees lol but actually she doesn’t have a choice

[@rbd1303]

I like GE more because the B40-8 and C40-8. EMD sucks!

[@oaktree6986]

I disagree

[@alvinmercer3760]

You're apparently not a crew member. Down to the last man, crew members hated these monstrosities. They were VERY rough-riding, very slow to load, then the amperage would rapidly rise so high that you'd have to drop the throttle a few notches to keep the speed under control. Because of this, unless your whole train was on flat, level ground, it was impossible to keep a constant road speed. The dynamic brakes sucked. There were issues with the toilets in every unit I was ever in. They smelled like a freaking sewer. We called them, "shit buckets." Nah.The GE 40 series were better, and today's GEs have improved more. But... to the last man, every engineer's favorite locomotive was the SD40-2. They were comfortable, purred like kittens, gripped the rail extremely well, and were very responsive to the slightest manipulation of the controls.

[@jameskoskinen6763]

I have ZERO experience or context to share when it comes the operation of a locomotive engine, but I can speak from from the 25 years experience I have working on large displacement engines: EMD manufactures phenomenally reliable engines for the power generation industry that I work in.

[@phaloxx]

Your mom sucks. My nuts.

[@brianburns7211]

All GE locomotives suck! What do you know though? Are you a rail?