81 General Electric
Engine history
The White Pass & Yukon Route diesel engine #81 was build original for the United States Army Transportation by General Electric at their Erie, PA plant. Then the engine was used at the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad for test. In 1973 the USA #3000 was sold the White Pass as their #81. After their operation as Skagway switcher, the engine was sold to the "Cia de Desarrollo Bananero de Guatemala" railroad in Bandegua (length of 102 Km) as their #314.
Data
Number | Builder | Builder No. | Year | HP | Traction Pwr. | Remarks |
81 | General Electric | GE 32933 | 800 |
Starting 45,600 Continuous 22,000 |
ex. USA 3000 |
3000
![](../../../images/usa3000_450.jpg)
USA TC 3000 Durango
The GE 3000 as United States Army test engine stand here at Durango, CO, beteen test runs. Original image from Boerries Burkhardt Collection
3000
![](../../../images/usa_tc_3000_durango_back_450.jpg)
USA TC 3000 Durango
June 7, 1960 at Durango , Colorado, Multi Gauge Test Engine 3000 of the United States Army wait for another run on the Colorado narrow gauge line. Boerries Burkhardt Collection
81
![](../../../images/81dedmann19740300_450.jpg)
General Electric 81, ex. USA 3000
The engine was repainted into the White Pass colors here at Skagway shops
81
![](../../../images/81grandt_450.jpg)
GE 81 switching at Skagway docks
This great image from Dave Grandt shows the GE 81 main work. The engine was used only for switching service at Skagway.
81
![](../../../images/81_skgy_unloading_450.jpg)
GE 81 at Skagway
Skagway switcher. Boerries Burkhardt Collection.