All three series of GE turbines had auxiliary diesel engines for hostling purposes. The turbines would operate in multiple unit sets with diesels to add horsepower, or to provide "get it home" emergency power. At the time the turbines were in service, UP's only six-axle diesels other than SD24s were passenger engines like the E's, or special service engines for light branches or hump yards.
More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Pacific_GTELs
The later series turbines were equipped with diesel prime movers specifically to address noise and fuel consumption when in a terminal enviorment thus obeviating the need for a shop engine, If I recall correctly the veranda series lacked this feature.
Dave
The UP paired a GP with the turbine to move it around in terminals since it burned almost as much fuel at idle as at full power, plus was extremely loud. The turbine would operate into the recieving track, then be shut down and the power fromt he GP would be used to move the turbine to the service tracks, be serviced and then back to the train, where the turbine would be fired up for departure.
An SD7/9 would not be appropriate.
An SP engine would not be appropriate.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
UP had no quams when it came to diesel/turbine combos, GP9, 30, 24 B units and cab units, SD40, GP20, and F9M A & B units and even the odd pairing of the U50 and DD35 cab and B units were not uncommon.
I believe it was Pentrex who sold a VHS tape years ago called "Turbines of the Wasatch" that shows some of the UP turbines running with regular diesel engines in the consist -- but I don't remember what they were.
UP/SP did have a pool agreement during the turbines later years of operation, with that being said I cannot recall seeing such an arraignment and if such a situation occured the SD35-SD40-SD45 would be logical choices. The practice of pooling power was unknown out west in the fiftes, UP commenced its venture upon the introduction of the GP-20 with CB&Q as the partner.
I'm no UP or Sp expert, but...
Most of the early SDs were set-up for slow speed service and I doubt UPs were really much different until at least the SD24. I suspect the GP9s were far more likely, even if one of the early SDs somehow got into the mix.
I rather doubt any significant number of lashups with SP locos, too, for much the same reasons. It would have been an unlikely combination, the exception to the rule.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I think Uncle Pete only had a few SD-7's and no SD-9's.
Charlie
I purchased a HO Scale Athearn RTR Union Pacific Gas Turbine and wanted to add relevent loco power to a consist. I researched a little and found that the most common pairing is with EMD GP9s. First, can I substitute EMD SD9's? Second would there be a precedent for using Southern Pacific locos in the 50-60's? Thanks in advance for the words of wisdom.