UP 1938 Steam Turbine

[Anonymous]

In December 1938, General Electric built a pair of 2,500 horsepower, high-pressure (1,500 psi boiler pressure) high-speed (125 mph on level track), oil-burning steam turbine locomotives for the Union Pacific. These machines were the only condensing steam locomotives built and operated in the U.S.
In April 1939, the Union Pacific took delivery of the two General Electric-built locomotives. The wheel arrangement of these two locomotives was 2-C+C-2.
This pair of locomotives were an attempt by General Electric to compete with General Motors’ (EMD’s) passenger diesels. The unsatisfactory locomotives were returned to General Electric in June 1939, following only two months of use. They saw extensive service on the Great Northern Railway during a motive power shortage in 1943. They were returned to General Electric and retired late 1943.
The specifications of the UP turbines are:
Steam conditions: 1500 lb per sq. in, @ 920º
Boiler: Water-tube with forced circulation
Fuel: Bunker C fuel oil
Turbine: Two-stage cross-compound, 12,500 rpm
Generators: Two DC 12-pole variable-voltage, 1200rpm
Traction motors: Six, air-cooled.

What I don't have, neither does George Drury's book is a class designation (if any), road numbers (not visible in any photo I've seen), or builder's s/n.

[Modelcar]

...Have you tried Pentrex tape [VHS Video] UNION PACIFIC'S MIGHTY TURBINES...I understand it includes rare footage from the 1938 early experiment you speak of.

QM

[Modelcar]

...I just came across the builders numbers this evening as 12136 and 12137. Units built Jan. 1938

QM