RailPictures.Net Photo: 22 Union Pacific GE GTEL turbine at North Platte, Nebraska by Bill Marvel

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Locomotive Details

Location/Date of Photo


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» Union Pacific (more..)
» GE GTEL turbine (more..)

» East of North Platte
» North Platte, Nebraska, USA (more..)
» October 02, 1966

Locomotive No./Train ID

Photographer

» 22 (more..)
» Unknown

» Bill Marvel (more..)
» Contact Photographer · Photographer Profile

Remarks & Notes

Screaming toward the camera at about 55 mph somewhere east of North Platte, Union Pacific’s westbound Big Blow 22, a member of the final class of 8500-hp Class 23 and 24 turbines, is about the most impressive sight and sound on rails since the days of steam. Built in the mid-1950s when Bunker C heavy oil was still cheap, they handled a lion’s share of UP’s transcontinetal freight business at one time. But that time has passed. Fuel prices have risen and excessive turbine blade wear has made the Big Blows increasingly expensive to maintain. And so on October 2, 1966, the 22 and its sisters are entering their final years of service. The last run of a turbine will come the day after Christmas, 1969.

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EXIF Data for this photo: [What's this?]
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Make	Plustek
Model	OpticFilm 7300