Load Test on a GE U-23B

We had some time at work to work on our motive power. Having a maintenance manual for this old U-23B allowed to figure out how to set the unit to self load to check engine performance.

Ex. Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern/Georgia Central U-23B 3965 was acquired a few months back has been in service on the railroad for freight and the SARM excursions on weekends.

In this video we load test unit in all 8 power notches. The sound of the GE FDL--12 is awesome to hear roar. The power generated during self load is exchange through the dynamic brake grid resistors in the radiator section of the car body. I know you all will like the cab roof audio as well.

You will see this unit start up initially and then ran through all 8 power notches in self load twice. The second load test is after dark and if you pay close enough attention you can see hot carbon blow from the stack. Some flames can even be seen too.

Enjoy!