description GE U18B Overview
GE U18B is a diesel-electric road-switcher locomotive built by GE Transportation as part of the Universal locomotive family. The model uses a four-axle B arrangement and an engine rating of 1,800 horsepower, combining line-haul movement with the ability to work individual cars and industrial sidings. It was intended for branch-line and lighter freight service, where its lower weight and shorter wheelbase could be more useful than those of larger six-axle locomotives.
help GE U18B FAQ
How much power does the GE U18B locomotive have?
The GE U18B is rated at 1,800 horsepower. It is a four-axle diesel-electric road-switcher in a B-B wheel arrangement. [GE U18B reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_U18B)
When was the GE U18B introduced?
The GE U18B was introduced in 1973 as part of GE Transportation's Universal locomotive family. Model listings place production in the 1973 to 1976 period. [GE locomotive list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GE_locomotives)
What does the GE U18B road-switcher design allow it to do?
Its four-axle layout lets it handle line-haul service while also working individual freight cars in yards and industrial sidings. That combination is why the U18B is described as a road-switcher rather than a locomotive built only for long-distance trains.
How does the GE U18B differ from the GE U18C?
Both models use an 1,800-horsepower rating, but the U18B has four powered axles in a B-B arrangement. The U18C uses six axles in a C-C arrangement and is better suited to heavier axle-load requirements. [GE Universal Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_Universal_Series)
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