| Built by GE in February of 1967, this and its 5 other sisters were the first non-EMD locomotives bought new since a single GE 44-tonner was purchased in 1947. Needless to say, the U30B's were definitely out of place on the IC. They had 16 notch throttles which weren't popular with train crews. Meanwhile, maintaining parts was a hassle, since the IC was almost 100% EMD. Despite this, the U30B's (minus 5003 which was wrecked in 1979) remained on the roster until 1982. Once their equipment trusts had expired the five surviving U30B's were sold as Iowa Railroad #20-22 & #24-25. No date, location or photographer listed for the b&w slide. |