THE BIG BLOW PT 1

 In 1960, a very interesting experiment took place on the APRR...

UP 10, one of the Union Pacific's GE "Big Blow" gas-electric turbines from their first order, sits in Hillsdale Yard. When the UP began taking delivery of the big units, the AP borrowed one for testing on its own trains -with 8500-hp, these beasts could pull any train you could throw at them!

The new crew prepares to board the engine. Little did they know the "noise show" the turbine engine would put on! Note the bell mounted behind the pilot; when the turbine was in action, it's doubtful that anyone heard the bell at grade crossings over the sound of the turbine.

The size of the A unit dwarfs the crew members.This unit houses accessories, control cab, and a small diesel engine for moving the set in yards, starting the turbine and for the dynamic brakes.

The Ford F100 also looks small next to the massive three-unit locomotive.

The B unit houses the turbine and main generator.

The 24,000 gal. fuel tender, rebuilt from a retired steam engine tender. Electric heaters keep the thick bunker C fuel fluid. 

Next week, UP 10 pulls a train!