U33C - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
One of SP's many, many U33C's bought to succor the road's SD45 fleet. Image copyright Rod Clark
The U33C is an uprated U30C made to compete with EMD's SD45. While the 7FDL had been hammered out extensively throughout earlier Universals, the U33C was still an imperfect machine; the aggressive uprating schedule of the engine brought concern from some roads, and the electrics were being changing significantly between variations. Unlike prior models where when a higher horsepower model became available the pre-uprating model was dropped (think U25 -> U28 -> U30), U30C production continued simultaneously with the U33C; however the U33C stopped being offered once the U36C became available. The U33C sold a decent showing of 375 units, with 212 going to the Southern Pacific alone.
When the Universal series was superceded by the Dash 7 series, the U33C would have been replaced by the C33-7 had any been ordered.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | GE 7FDL-16E (1) |
| Horsepower | 3250 |
| Truck Type | GE FB-3 |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 6 |
| Minimum Weight | 363,000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 420,000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 70 MPH |
| Top Speed | 70, 80, or 86 ⚠ |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 5400 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1800 Amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1195 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 29% ⚠ |
| Transition Mode | Automatic, no selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 1 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR + Sand |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers (0), automatic (2) |
| DB Max Current | 740 Amps |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 740 Amps |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 3 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26-L |
| Compressor CFM | 236.25 (Wabco 3CDCBL @ 1050 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 32.4 Cubic Feet |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess
(1): Units would be upgraded to 7FDL-16F spec once the U36C series came out. Very very late units were offered with CHEC excitation, and classed as 7FDL-16G.
(2): Early units used a fixed Notch 8 whenever dynamic braking was engaged; later units varied fan speed once more modern fan drive units were available. This change occurred in mid 72 or later.