Visitor Comments about this Photo:

What are those two blue panels for? I've never seen them on any GE loco before.

Posted by Brian Gilleran on 2022-09-29 12:03:51

Good question, anybody know?

Posted by Bruce Macdonald on 2022-09-29 12:23:14

Good question, anybody know?

Posted by Bruce Macdonald on 2022-09-29 12:23:38

According to Pacific Western Rail Systems model RR retailer web site, Rapido built highly detailed HO versions of the GE B36-7 of which Conrail 5000 is an example with noise baffles: "The increased power also meant increased noise. As well as the larger silencer (introduced in 1979), GE attempted to mitigate this with a pair of sound baffles either side of the radiator section. These were installed on all the Cotton Belt, Santa Fe and Southern locomotives and the first 15 Conrail units. By 1983 GE had replaced the twin radiator fans with a single large fan to reduce noise – three additional grilles in the doors in the radiator section made this upgrade obvious – and only Southern retained the baffles beyond 1986, and even then only the lower of the two on each side."

Posted by John Barlow on 2022-09-30 08:16:00

Thanks John!

Posted by Bruce Macdonald on 2022-09-30 09:54:10

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