Near Union in McHenry County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Union Pacific 18
1960 Gas Turbine-Electric Cab Unit
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2010
1. Union Pacific 18 Marker
Early diesels had relatively low power (800-2000 hp). Beginning in 1948, the Union Pacific and GE developed alternatives for heavy freight. The resulting 55 units replaced the usual diesel prime mover with an aircraft gas turbine.
The last thirty turbines (UP 1-30) were the largest (166 ft) and most powerful internal combustion locomotives ever built, but were not fuel-efficient. The lead unit contained a cab, controls, and an 850 hp diesel to start the turbine and for low-speed movement. In the second unit, the turbine drove two main generators to supply electricity for twelve traction motors. The tender (from a retired steamer) held thick "bunker C" fuel oil for the turbine. All turbines were retired by 1969, as new diesels were developed and fuel costs rose.
UP 18 was obtained from another museum in 1992. Only two turbines survive.
Builder: General Electric
Prime Mover: GE gas turbine
Horsepower: 10,000
Weight (less tender): 839,000 lbs
Axles/Motors: 12 (less tender)/ 12
Service: Freight
Erected by Illinois Railway Museum.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 42° 13.673′ N, 88° 31.627′ W. Marker is near Union, Illinois, in McHenry County. Marker is on the unit, in Yard 5, on the grounds of the Illinois Railway Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7000 Olson Road, Union IL 60180, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soo/Milwaukee Road X-5001 (here, next to this marker); Chicago and North Western 9933 (a few steps from this marker); Railroad Cats (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Railroad Signals (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific 37A (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago Railways Company Date Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Rails (within shouting distance of this marker); TCAX (Thrall Car Co.) 20306 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union.
Also see . . .
1. UP Gas Turbine Locomotives. Union Pacific website entry (Submitted on December 21, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. UP Turbines of the Wasatch. YouTube
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2010
2. Union Pacific 18 and Marker
3. Illinois Railway Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on December 21, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2010
3. Union Pacific 18 Gas Turbine
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2010
4. Union Pacific 18 Gas Turbine
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2010
5. IRM Yard 5 West End
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 847 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 21, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
