The General Electric C30-7 like the other GE "dash 7" series were updated editions of the U series locomotives introduced in the 1960's. In this case, the 16 cylinder 3000 horsepower C30-7 was an updated U30C. Conrail's 10 C30-7's were among the first new locomotives acquired by new company in November, 1977. The C30-7's have the dubious distinction of being the only class of locomotives purchased by Conrail that did not live to see the breakup in 1999. Five of these locomotives were retired in 1995, and the others served in Conrail's lease fleet, spending most of the time in storage. One or two may still be in service with Helm Leasing (2000).
Conrail purchased 50 C30-7A units in 1984. These locomotives were significantly different from the C30-7's. They are powered by a 12 cylinder GE FDL diesel engine, introduced in 1980.
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C30-7 6600 climbs around the Horseshoe Curve July, 1980. The locomotive immediately ahead of 6600 is a U30C. The star on the cab indicates test unit. Around 1980, the costs associated with 2 test groups of locomotives, C30-7's and SD40-2's, were carefully monitored. The EMD units showed a clear advantage, Conrail did not purchase a single GE unit for 8 years following the test. |
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C30-7 6609 climbs up Burgoon Run with train ALPI (ALlentown PIittsburgh) with it's signature loads of GM truck frames from Reading, Pa. destined for an assembly plant in Ohio. This train is a mile or two east of the Horseshoe Curve in July, 1980. |