Re: Newfoundland NG Diesel threatened

The US Potash units were the only 36" gage units built of that 70 ton type model by GE, and are long scrapped. The late model GE 70 tons with B-B trucks were built with GE761 traction motors and could be adapted as narrow as meter gage.

The model is common in South America as either meter or 42" gage. I believe most of the Brazilian units have been repowered with CAT D398s. All should have GE747 traction motors, adaptable to any gage down to 36". Would require new axles and brake rigging moved. These are self ventilating traction motors are would only be about 22,000 pounds continuous tractive effort at 50 mph maximum speed gearing. CTE would be higher if you found some with lower gearing.

If I had a choice (for the same tractive effort), I would prefer a U5/6/8/10B on road trucks. CAT engines as built (3508/3512 for upgrade/repower). The issue will be finding one (or more) available with GE764 traction motors so it pretty much already has to be a 36" gage unit.