UP's GTE Tenders

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This page was last updated on March 19, 2023.

Overview

Union Pacific operated a total of 55 gas turbine locomotives:

25 4500 horsepower Gas Turbine Electric (GTE) locomotives (UP 51-75)
30 8500 horsepower GTE locomotives (UP 1-30)

4500 GTE Tenders

The 25 smaller turbines operated without tenders until late 1955. UP 61 was the first to be equipped with a tender, in October 1955, when it received a semi-Vanderbuilt 20-C tender removed from UP 4-8-4 806. (UP 806 was retired in March 1954, and its tender formally retired in May 1956.) Research suggests that the conversion as an insulated tender was completed at the newly finished Salt Lake City shops, with a photo of the new combination being taken on November 1, 1955. Within a few short months, the remaining units in the fleet received tenders that had been converted from 18-C tenders from retired 9000-series UP 4-12-2 steam locomotives. (That original Class 20-C insulated tender later had its capacity increased and in January 1957, was assigned as a 24-C-GTE tender for the 8500 horsepower GTE locomotives.)

(Photo of UP 61 at Salt Lake City, just after having its tender added)

Each of the tenders for the 4500 GTE locomotives was converted by Union Pacific in its own shops by rebuilding a Class 18-C 18,000 gallon tender removed from a retired 9000-series 4-12-2 locomotive. The coal bunker (or oil tank) was removed, and the water compartment from a second retired 18-C tender was applied, providing a cylindrical tank that was the same diameter from front to rear. The tank was then insulated and wrapped with sheet metal. Some tenders had flat ends, but most had convex ends.

Many of the 25 22-GTE tenders were readily swapped among the various 10 4500 horsepower "Standard" turbines, and the 15 "Veranda" turbines as needed to meet operational needs. Close inspection of the rear of many of these tenders revealed three or four numbers on the repainted ends.

All 25 small turbines were retired in 1964. Prior to their final disposition, their tenders were removed and stored for later use. Records show that all 25 tenders were retired in November 1967 and sold for scrap.

8500 GTE Tenders

The first 20 8500 GTE locomotives, numbers 1-20, were assigned Class 24-C-GTE 24,000 gallon insulated tenders that had been converted from Class 20-C tenders removed from retired UP 800-series 4-8-4s.

"A few inches beneath that smooth, welded jacket lies the original, riveted FEF -1 tender. In the conversion, vertical ribs were fabricated and were welded to the sides of the tenders, on approximately 24" or 36" centers. The jacketing is welded to these ribs, the welds were ground down, the rough spots dressed up with Bondo, and the whole thing painted. The space between the old tender body and the jacket is filled with insulation. The only welding on the old tenders is the same that is highly visible on the 23 GTE tenders. In other words, the roof over the coal/oil space that turned that into more oil space, and anyplace where anything was added, such as pipes, heaters, brackets, etc. Those things were welded rather than riveted, probably because it was faster, cheaper and made more sense that riveting." (Steve Lee, email dated November 11, 2000)

The following comes from Trains magazine, March 1956, page page 21:

The homemade, 24,000-gallon tanks have been incorporated into the design to keep the weight on drivers constant, which would be impossible were the fuel carried on the locomotive units themselves. The tank is insulated with four inches of glass wool--this to keep the heavy residual fuel oil warm. Fuel is heated before being piped aboard. Advantage of a separate insulated fuel tender was demonstrated with the 61, a later-model turbine featuring semi-hood design, open running boards.

The remaining 10 8500 GTE locomotives, numbers 21-30, were assigned Class 23-C-GTE 23,000 gallon non-insulated tenders that had been converted from Class 19-C tenders removed from retired UP 3800-series 4-6-6-4s.

Although all GTE tenders were of riveted construction, because of the way they appeared (sheathed for the 24-series, and unsheathed for the 23-series), some historians have referred to the 24-C-GTE tenders (also known as "long" tenders) as "welded or smooth," and the 23-C-GTE tenders (also known as "short" tenders) as "riveted." The most obvious spotting feature for the 24-series is the smooth covers over the heaters, compared to the uncovered heaters on the 23-C-GTE tenders.

An additional tender was assigned to the fleet of 8500 horsepower GTE locomotives after a "spare" tender was created from a flat-ended 22-C-GTE round tender, which had its ends clipped and beveled to accommodate the exhaust of an 8500 horsepower GTE. (see a photo on page 208 of Jack Wolff's "Union Pacific's Turbine Era")

Many of the 20 24-GTE tenders and the 10 23-GTE tenders were readily swapped among the various 30 8500 horsepower GTE locomotives as needed to meet operational needs. Close inspection of the rear of many of these tenders has revealed as many as three or four numbers on the repainted ends.

The 30 large turbines were retired in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Their tenders were removed and stored for later use. At least 17 tenders were renumbered into the railroad's 900000-series Roadway number series, including the 903019-903034 series (9 cars) for fuel oil storage, and the 907851-907858 series (8 cars) for water storage.

During the 1970s and 1980s, there were six former GTE tenders used at UP's East Los Angeles engine terminal for fuel storage. In later years, each car had a single digit number (1 through 6), in addition to its 900000-series Roadway number. There were two other tenders used for fuel storage at the south end of Riverdale yard in Ogden, Utah.

22-C-GTE Tenders

Used on 4500 horsepower GTE Locomotives.

22,000 Gallons Capacity

22-C-GTE Tenders -- 25 cars
Alco., 1929-1930 (UP, 1956)

All 25 tenders were built in 1929 and 1930 and were converted on the dates shown above from Class 18-C tenders assigned to UP's 9000-series 4-12-2 steam locomotives.

In the book "Turbines Westward," Tom Lee states on pages 29 and 140 that each of the tenders for the 4500 horsepower GTE locomotives were built using the running gear and frame from a tender from a 9000-class steam locomotive, and that each tender used the water compartments from two separate tenders that had been spliced together.

The above statement is shown to be accurate if retirement dates for other tenders are considered; records show that 25 specific tenders were retired and converted to specific 22-C-GTE tenders, with another 27 tenders being retired in the same 1955-1956 time frame, making them possible candidates to have furnished their water compartments to the conversion effort.

As a consideration of the conversion itself, the fuel bunkers of the retired 18-C tenders would have required extensive rework and modification to make them match the profile of each tender's water compartment; it would be much simpler to remove the water compartment from a separate retired tender in a single piece and attach it to frame and water compartment of the tender being converted.

All 25 tenders were retired in November 1967 and scrapped by UP; records show most as being "cut up" with dates as early as December 1967, and as late as March 1970. (The 4500 horsepower GTE locomotives themselves were retired in 1962-1964.)

GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Date Built	Date To 22-GTE Series	Date Retired	Note
22-C-GTE-51	18-C-104	1929	Feb 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-52	18-C-619	1930	Feb 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-53	18-C-622	1930	Feb 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-54	18-C-623	1930	Feb 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-55	18-C-426	1929	Mar 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-56	18-C-435	1929	Mar 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-57	18-C-437	1929	Mar 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-58	18-C-402	1929	Mar 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-59	18-C-414	1929	Mar 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-60	18-C-201	1930	Apr 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-61	18-C-409	1929	Apr 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-62	18-C-412	1929	May 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-63	18-C-613	1930	May 1956	Nov 1967	1
22-C-GTE-64	18-C-405	1929	Jun 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-65	18-C-408	1929	Jun 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-66	18-C-410	1929	Jun 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-67	18-C-419	1929	Jun 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-68	18-C-620	1929	Jun 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-69	18-C-624	1930	Jun 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-70	18-C-108	1929	Jul 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-71	18-C-202	1929	Jul 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-72	18-C-403	1929	Jul 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-73	18-C-433	1928	Jul 1956	Nov 1967
22-C-GTE-74	18-C-130	1928	Aug 1956	Nov 1967	2
22-C-GTE-75	18-C-439	1929	Aug 1956	Nov 1967

General Notes:

UP Equipment Record: r3-1336 (22-GTE series), r3-1572 (18-C series), r3-1581 (18-C series), r3-1582 (18-C series)
The table below shows the 9000-class steam locomotive each tender was removed from, and the date each steam locomotive was retired; each tender was removed from its assigned steam locomotive and stored for later use:

GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Last Steam Assignment	Locomotive Retired
22-C-GTE-51	18-C-104	UP 9033	Jun 1955
22-C-GTE-52	18-C-619	UP 9081	Dec 1953
22-C-GTE-53	18-C-622	UP 9084	Apr 1955
22-C-GTE-54	18-C-623	UP 9085	Jan 1955
22-C-GTE-55	18-C-426	UP 9039	Nov 1954
22-C-GTE-56	18-C-435	UP 9038	Jun 1955
22-C-GTE-57	18-C-437	UP 9048	Apr 1955
22-C-GTE-58	18-C-402	UP 9035	Apr 1955
22-C-GTE-59	18-C-414	UP 9049	Apr 1954
22-C-GTE-60	18-C-201	UP 9082	Apr 1955
22-C-GTE-61	18-C-409	UP 9032	Nov 1954
22-C-GTE-62	18-C-412	UP 9037	Jun 1955
22-C-GTE-63	18-C-613	UP 9080	Nov 1954
22-C-GTE-64	18-C-405	UP 9041	Sep 1955
22-C-GTE-65	18-C-408	UP 9046	Apr 1955
22-C-GTE-66	18-C-410	UP 9045	Sep 1954
22-C-GTE-67	18-C-419	UP 9054	Dec 1954
22-C-GTE-68	18-C-620	UP 9047	Nov 1954
22-C-GTE-69	18-C-624	UP 9086	Sep 1955
22-C-GTE-70	18-C-108	UP 9042	Sep 1955
22-C-GTE-71	18-C-202	UP 9034	Sep 1953
22-C-GTE-72	18-C-403	UP 9036	Sep 1954
22-C-GTE-73	18-C-433	UP 9059	Sep 1954
22-C-GTE-74	18-C-130	UP 9021	Jul 1955
22-C-GTE-75	18-C-439	UP 9055	Sep 1954

Notes:

22-C-63 was scrapped at Cheyenne after December 1970 after being found to be partially filled with solidified asphalt; trucks salvaged and sent to Omaha. (UP Mechanical Department letters dated December 30, 1970)
22-C-74 was scrapped at Salt Lake City after December 1971 after being found in December 1970 to have a cracked "cistern"; trucks salvaged and sent to Omaha.Tender 22-C-74 was "lost" and then later found in November 1971 in Los Angeles at the locomotive fueling track; disposition instructions requested because scrapping by torch was not allowed in Los Angeles. Omaha immediately instructed that the tender be moved to Salt Lake City and immediately "dismantled." (UP Mechanical Department letters dated December 30, 1970; November 30, 1971; December 1, 1971)

24-C-GTE Tender

Used on 8500 horsepower GTE Locomotives.

24,000 Gallons Capacity

24-C-GTE Tender -- 1 car
Alco., 1937 (UP, 1956)

GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Date Built	Last Steam Assignment	Locomotive Retired	Tender Retired	Notes
24-C-GTE-1	20-C-205	1937	UP 806	Mar 1954	May 1956	1

General Notes:

A photo in "Turbines Westward," page 140, shows that this tender had already been modified by November 1, 1955, and added to No. 61 in Salt Lake City for tests.
UP Equipment Record: r3-1336 (24-GTE series); r3-1583 (20-C series); r3-1585 (20-C series)

Notes:

Tender 24-C-GTE-1 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-205, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 806; converted to tender 24-C-GTE-1 (assigned to UP 61) in late October 1955 (UP 806's tender was formally retired in May 1956); changed to 24-GTE-5 in January 1957.

24-C-GTE Tenders -- 20 cars
Alco., 1937 (UP, 1957-1960)

Tender Number	Previous Number	Date To 24-GTE Series	Last Assigned GTE Number	Date Retired	Roadway Number	Date To Roadway Number	Date Roadway Retired	Notes
24-GTE-1	20-C-201	Feb 1957		Sep 1975				1
24-GTE-2	20-C-202	Oct 1957			UP 907852	Apr 1972	Dec 1973	2
24-GTE-3	20-C-203	Jun 1957	UP 24-24B		UP 907858	Apr 1972	Jul 1973	3
24-GTE-4	20-C-204	Feb 1958	UP 16-16B		UP 903025	Jul 1973	Apr 1976	4
24-GTE-5	20-C-205 24-C-GTE-1	May 1956 Jan 1957	UP 23-23B	Jul 1973				5
24-GTE-6	20-C-206	Mar 1958	UP 7-7B		UP 903026	Jul 1973		6
24-GTE-7	20-C-207	Dec 1957			UP 903033	May 1972		7
24-GTE-8	20-C-208	Dec 1957						8
24-GTE-9	20-C-209	Feb 1960	UP 22-22B		UP 903027	Jul 1973		9
24-GTE-10	20-C-210	Nov 1957			UP 907854	Apr 1972	Apr 1973	10
24-GTE-11	20-C-211	May 1957			UP 907851	Apr 1972	Dec 1972	11
24-GTE-12	20-C-212	Sep 1957	UP 14-14B		UP 903019	Jun 1971	Jul 1977	12
24-GTE-13	20-C-213	Apr 1958			UP 907853	Apr 1972	Mar 1984	13
24-GTE-14	20-C-214	Apr 1957	UP 8-8B		UP 907857	Apr 1972		14
24-GTE-15	20-C-215	Jan 1958						15
24-GTE-16	20-C-101	Jul 1960	UP 7-7B (sic)		UP 907856	Apr 1972	(Sep 1973)	16
24-GTE-17	20-C-102	Aug 1960			UP 907855	Apr 1972	Jul 1973	17
24-GTE-18	20-C-103	May 1960		Jul 1973				18
24-GTE-19	20-C-104	Aug 1960	UP 18-18B	Jul 1973				19
24-GTE-20	20-C-105	Jun 1960	UP 28-28B	Jul 1973				20

General Notes:

UP Class 24-GTE (other records show class as 24-C-GTE)
Converted from retired UP 4-8-4 steam locomotives
The first group of fifteen 8500 horsepower GTE locomotives was ordered on November 25, 1955. UP No. 1 entered service on August 1, 1958. (A photo in "Turbines Westward," page 100, shows that this initial run used two tenders.)
The second group of fifteen 8500 horsepower GTE locomotives was announced on February 19, 1957, with delivery planned for early 1958.
UP equipment record, sheet r3-462 (903000 series); r3-778 (907850 series); r3-780 (907850 series); r3-1336 (24-GTE series); r3-1583 (20-C series); r3-1585 (20-C series)
See also: "8500 Horsepower Without Cylinders", Trains magazine, Volume 16, Number 5, March 1956, page 18
All 20 tenders were built in 1937 and assigned to UP 4-8-4 Class FEF-1 steam locomotives 800-819. Locomotives and tenders retired on the following dates. (some dates come from Gordon McCulloh's research)

GTE Tender Number	Last Steam Assignment	Locomotive Retired	Tender Retired
24-GTE-1	UP 800	Oct 1957	Feb 1957
24-GTE-2	UP 801	May 1959	Oct 1957
24-GTE-3	UP 802	May 1960	Jun 1957
24-GTE-4	UP 813	Oct 1957	Jun 1958
24-GTE-5	UP 806	Mar 1954	May 1956
24-GTE-6	UP 805	May 1959	Mar 1958
24-GTE-7	UP 815	Jun 1957	Oct 1957
24-GTE-8	UP 808	Nov 1959	Dec 1957
24-GTE-9	UP 803	May 1957	Nov 1957
24-GTE-10	UP 809	May 1958	Nov 1957
24-GTE-11	UP 810	Nov 1954	Mar 1957
24-GTE-12	UP 811	Sep 1956	May 1957
24-GTE-13	UP 804	May 1959	Apr 1958
24-GTE-14	UP 807	Jun 1956	Jan 1957
24-GTE-15	UP 812	Jun 1956	Nov 1957
24-GTE-16	UP 816	Jan 1957	Apr 1960
24-GTE-17	UP 818	Sep 1955	May 1960
24-GTE-18	UP 814	Jun 1961	May 1960
24-GTE-19	UP 817	May 1960	Jun 1960
24-GTE-20	UP 819	May 1957	Jun 1960

Notes:

Tender 24-GTE-1 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-201, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 800; retired in February 1957 and converted to tender 24-GTE-1; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; retired in September 1975 and sold.
Tender 24-GTE-2 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-202, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 801; retired in October 1957 and converted to tender 24-GTE-2 (UP photo dated April 24, 1957); removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907852 in April 1972; retired in December 1973 and sold.
Tender 24-GTE-3 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-203, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 804; retired and converted to insulated tender 24-GTE-13 in April 1958; last assigned to UP 24-24B (retired February 1970); assigned to Green River derrick 903044 in August 1969; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907858 in April 1972; retired in July 1973
Tender 24-GTE-4 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-204, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 813; retired in November 1957 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-1 in February 1958; last assigned to UP 16-16B (retired February 1970); moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in January 1971 (no LA #); renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903025 in July 1973; retired at Los Angeles in April 1976 and sold for scrap
Tender 24-GTE-5 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-205, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 806; retired in May 1956 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-1 (assigned to UP 61); changed to 24-GTE-5 in January 1957; last assigned to UP 23-23B (retired February 1970); moved to Ogden in February 1971; retired in July 1973 and sold. (Photos show that this tender had already been modified by November 1, 1955, and added to No. 61 in Salt Lake City for tests; see "Turbines Westward," page 140.)
Tender 24-GTE-6 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-206, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 805; retired in March 1958 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-6; last assigned to UP 7-7B (retired February 1970); moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in February 1971 (LA #5); renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903026 in July 1973; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; scrapped at Cheyenne in 2001-2002
Tender 24-GTE-7 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-207, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 815; retired in October 1957 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-7 in December 1957; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; moved to Ogden in February 1971; renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903033 in May 1972; (further disposition unknown)
Tender 24-GTE-8 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-208, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 808; retired and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-8 in December 1957; (further disposition unknown)
Tender 24-GTE-9 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-209, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 803; retired and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-6 in February 1960; last assigned to UP 22-22B (retired February 1970); moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in February 1971 (no LA #); renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903027 in July 1973; retired at Los Angeles in April 1976 and sold for scrap
Tender 24-GTE-10 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-210, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 809; retired and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-10 in November 1957; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907854 in April 1972; retired in April 1973 and sold.
Tender 24-GTE-11 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-211, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 810; retired in March 1957 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-11 in May 1957; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907851 in April 1972; retired in December 1973 and sold.
Tender 24-GTE-12 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-212, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 811; retired in May 1957 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-12 in September 1957; last assigned to UP 14-14B (retired February 1970); stored at Salt Lake City until renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903019 in June 1971, assigned to Colton, California; retired in July 1977 and sold.
Tender 24-GTE-13 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-213, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 802; retired in June 1957 and converted to tender 24-GTE-13; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907853 in April 1972; assigned to steam service and painted black in late 1973; used with Expo 74 train to Spokane in July 1974; traveled with SP 4449 from Birmingham, Alabama, back to Portland, Oregon in April 1977; retired in March 1984; to Illinois Railroad Museum in 1992, for display with turbine 18/18B (still in black paint); repainted to yellow and gray in 2008.
Tender 24-GTE-14 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-214, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 807; retired in January 1957 and converted to insulated tender 24-GTE-14 in April 1957; assigned to UP 8-8B (retired February 1970); renumbered to UP 907855 in September 1969, assigned to Ogden derrick; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907857 in April 1972; moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in 1976 (LA #2); retired in March 1981; reinstated in March 1983; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; renumbered to UPP 814 on July 30, 2003; rebuilt in July 2006 to remove insulation, in service as UPP 814.
Tender 24-GTE-15 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-215, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 812; retired in November 1957 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-15 in January 1958; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970; (further disposition unknown)
Tender 24-GTE-16 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-101, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 816; retired in April 1960 and converted to insulated tender 24-GTE-16 in July 1960; last assigned to UP 7-7B (retired February 1970) (duplication with 24-GTE-6 noted); renumbered to UP 907856 in August 1969, asigned to North Platte derrick 910006; retired in September 1973; moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in 1976 (LA #1); moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; renumbered to UPP 809 in early May 2003; official renumber date is August 1, 2003; rebuilt in August 2008 to remove insulation, in service as UPP 809.
Tender 24-GTE-17 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-102, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 818; retired in May 1960 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-17 in August 1960; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970; renumbered to UP Water Storage 907855 in April 1972; retired in July 1973 and sold.
Tender 24-GTE-18 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-103, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 814; retired and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-18 in May 1960; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970; retired in July 1973 and sold. (UP mechanical department records show that tender 24-GTE-18 was converted from the tender last assigned to UP 4-8-4 814; UP 814 was retired in June 1961 and donated with a 25-C Centipede tender in August 1962 to the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa and is displayed at the Rails West Museum in Council Bluffs.)
Tender 24-GTE-19 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-104, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 817; retired in June 1960 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-19 in August 1960; last assigned to UP 18-18B (retired February 1970); retired in July 1973 and sold
Tender 24-GTE-20 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-105, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 819; retired in March 1960 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-20 in June 1960; last assigned to UP 28-28B (retired February 1970); retired in July 1973 and sold

23-C-GTE Tenders

Used on 8500 horsepower GTE Locomotives.

23,000 Gallons Capacity

23-C-GTE Tenders -- 10 cars
Alco., 1944 (UP, 1960)

GTE Tender Number	Previous Number	Date To 23-GTE Series	Last Assigned GTE Number	Date Retired	Roadway Number	Date To Roadway Number	Notes
23-C-GTE-21	19-C-109	Jul 1959	UP 19-19B		UP 903028	Jul 1973	1
23-C-GTE-22	19-C-106	Jul 1960		Jul 1974			2
23-C-GTE-23	19-C-107	Aug 1960			UP 903029	Jul 1973	3
23-C-GTE-24	19-C-113	Sep 1960	UP 29-29B	Jul 1973			4
23-C-GTE-25	19-C-114	Sep 1960	UP 26-26B	Jul 1974			5
23-C-GTE-26	19-C-115	Oct 1960		Jul 1973			6
23-C-GTE-27	19-C-208	Nov 1960			UP 903034	May 1972	7
23-C-GTE-28	19-C-209	Nov 1960		Jul 1973			8
23-C-GTE-29	19-C-212	Oct 1960	UP 27-27B	Jul 1974			9
23-C-GTE-30	19-C-216	Nov 1960			UP 903030	Jul 1973	10

General Notes:

All 10 tenders were built in 1936 and 1937, and were converted to 23-GTE non-insulated tenders from Class 19-C tenders assigned to UP's Class CSA-1 3800-series 4-6-6-4 steam locomotives.
These 10 tenders had electric heating elements similar to those of the 24-GTE class, but the tenders themselves were not insulated. Because they were not insulated, some observers have called them "riveted" tenders, because their rivets showed.
UP Equipment Record Book: r3-1337 (23-GTE series); r3-1584 (19-C series) (of the three pages for the 903000 series, r3-460, r3-462, r3-677, none show retirement dates)
The three 23-GTE class tenders moved in 1988 from Los Angeles fuel storage to Cheyenne, were to have their Commonwealth trucks exchanged for Buckeye trucks in use on the 24-GTE tenders assigned to the steam program. Commonwealth trucks are known as being easier than Buckeye trucks to maintain and repair. Unfortunately, after the center plates were found to be different sizes.
All 10 tenders were built in 1936-1937 and assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3800-series steam locomotives; steam locomotives retired on the following dates:

GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Date Built	Last Steam Assignment	Locomotive Retired	Date To 23-GTE Series
23-C-GTE-21	19-C-109	1936	UP 3800	Aug 1957	Jul 1959
23-C-GTE-22	19-C-106	1936	UP 3805	Feb 1956	Jul 1960
23-C-GTE-23	19-C-107	1936	UP 3804	Jul 1959	Aug 1960
23-C-GTE-24	19-C-113	1937	UP 3828	Jul 1959	Sep 1960
23-C-GTE-25	19-C-114	1937	UP 3829	Jul 1957	Sep 1960
23-C-GTE-26	19-C-115	1936	UP 3803	May 1959	Oct 1960
23-C-GTE-27	19-C-208	1937	UP 3825	Apr 1957	Nov 1960
23-C-GTE-28	19-C-209	1937	UP 3820	Aug 1957	Nov 1960
23-C-GTE-29	19-C-212	1937	UP 3827	Dec 1958	Oct 1960
23-C-GTE-30	19-C-216	1937	UP 3826	Nov 1956	Nov 1960

Notes:

Tender 23-GTE-21 was built in 1936 as tender 19-C-109, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3800; locomotive retired in August 1957 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 21-GTE-1 in July 1959; converted to larger capacity as 23-GTE-21; last assigned to UP 19-19B (retired December 1968); moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in February 1971 (LA #3); renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903028 in July 1973; moved to Ogden in September 1988 and stored; moved to Cheyenne in June 2009, still there as of July 13, 2018 (date of photo).
Tender 23-GTE-22 was built in 1936 as tender 19-C-106, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3805; locomotive retired in February 1956 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-22 in July 1960; ; last assigned to GTE 27, which was retired in February 1970; stored at Salt Lake City (disposition requested on March 15, 1971); retired in July 1974
Tender 23-GTE-23 was built in 1936 as tender 19-C-107, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3804; locomotive retired in July 1959 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-23 in August 1960; removed from assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; moved to Los Angeles for fuel storage in February 1971 (LA #6); renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903029 in July 1973; moved to Ogden in September 1988 and stored; moved to Cheyenne in June 2009, still there as of March 16, 2019 (date of photo).
Tender 23-GTE-24 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-113, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3828; locomotive retired in July 1959 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-24 in September 1960; last assigned to UP 29-29B (retired February 1970); moved to Ogden in February 1971; retired in July 1973
Tender 23-GTE-25 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-114, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3829; locomotive retired in July 1957 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-25 in September 1960; last assigned to UP 26-26B (retired February 1970); stored at Salt Lake City, "Have empty turbine tender S/N 23GTE25 at Salt Lake Diesel Shop with #26 stencilled on end of tender. Please advise disposition. /signed/ R. T. Johnson, May 12, 1970"; the tender was still at Salt Lake City on September 20, 1971, stored on the former coach yard tracks, along with GTE locomotives 30-30B and 27-27B; retired in July 1974
Tender 23-GTE-26 was built in 1936 as tender 19-C-115, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3803; locomotive retired in May 1959 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-26 in October 1960; removed from assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; retired in July 1973
Tender 23-GTE-27 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-208, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3825; locomotive retired in April 1957 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-27 in November 1960; removed from assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; moved to Ogden in February 1971; renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903034 in May 1972; (further disposition unknown)
Tender 23-GTE-28 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-209, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3820; locomotive retired in August 1957 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-28 in November 1960; removed from assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; retired in July 1973
Tender 23-GTE-29 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-212, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3827; locomotive retired in December 1958 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-29 in October 1960; inspection on September 20, 1971 found that the tender was originally numbered for GTE 6-6B, then marked over for GTE 13-13B, then marked over for GTE 27-27B; last assigned to UP 27-27B (retired February 1970); stored at Salt Lake City (disposition requested on March 15, 1971); retired in July 1974
Tender 23-GTE-30 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-216, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3826; locomotive retired in November 1956 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-30 in November 1960; removed from assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; moved to Los Angeles in February 1971; renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903030 in July 1973; moved to Ogden in September 1988; donated to Utah State Railroad Museum at Ogden, Utah, displayed with turbine 26/26B.

In a letter dated December 1, 1970, instructions were issued to inspect the tenders of the remaining 19 GTE locomotives, at the following locations, and advise Omaha as to the condition of the tenders for potential use "in connection with proposed roadway water conversion program." In addition, the remaining 11 tenders removed from already retired 8500 GTE locomotives were also to have their location and condition reported as part of the same proposed use.

Road Number	Cheyenne (9)	Ogden (5)	Council Bluffs (2)	Salt Lake City (3)	Notes
UP 1-1B					(previously retired)
UP 2-2B					(previously retired)
UP 3-3B					(previously retired)
UP 4-4B					(previously retired)
UP 5-5B					(previously retired)
UP 6-6B	X
UP 7-7B	X
UP 8-8B	X
UP 9-9B					(previously retired)
UP 10-10B	X
UP 11-11B				X
UP 12-12B			X
UP 13-13B					(previously retired)
UP 14-14B		X
UP 15-15B		X
UP 16-16B					(previously retired)
UP 17-17B				X
UP 18-18B	X
UP 19-19B					(previously retired)
UP 20-20B	X
UP 21-21B			X
UP 22-22B				X
UP 23-23B		X
UP 24-24B					(previously retired)
UP 25-25B					(previously retired)
UP 26-26B	X
UP 27-27B		X
UP 28-28B	X
UP 29-29B	X
UP 30-30B		X
	(9)	(5)	(2)	(3)	(Total 19; plus 11 previously retired)

Los Angeles Fuel Storage

In February 1971, six retired GTE tenders were moved to Los Angeles for use as fuel storage. They were given UP Company Service numbers between 903025 and 903030; and later were repainted bright aluminum. At some point, each tender received a single digit number from '1' to '6', about 8 inches high, at each corner.

The following comes from Steve Lee, manager of UP's steam program, via an email dated December 31, 2004:

The 907856 and 907857 were two of six tenders discovered in Los Angeles in 1988. All were coupled together on piece of track not connected to anything at either end. They were all piped together and were used as a large diesel fuel storage tank. Three of the tenders were ex-FEF-1 tanks (which were NOT built by splicing two tanks together) and the other three were ex-CSA (3800-series 4-6-6-4) tanks, which were also NOT built by splicing two together.

We moved the three ex-FEF tanks to Cheyenne, and the three ex-CSA tanks to Ogden. One of those ex-CSA tanks is now displayed with their turbine. These ex-CSA tenders were not insulated and jacketed when converted, and you can easily see where the coal space was modified into more oil space. The other two of those ex-CSA tanks are at Ogden, awaiting movement here.

The third ex-FEF tender was scrapped at Cheyenne a couple of years ago.

The following is a possible listing of the six retired GTE tenders at Los Angeles:

Known LA No.	Roadway Number	GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Notes
(none)	UP 903025	24-GTE-4	20-C-204	moved to LA in 1971; retired and sold for scrap in 1976 (replaced by UP 907856)
(none)	UP 903027	24-GTE-9	20-C-209	moved to LA in 1971; retired and sold for scrap in 1976 (replaced by UP 907857)
1	UP 907856	24-GTE-16	20-C-101	moved to LA fuel storage (#1) in 1976; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; to UPP 809 (UP records show 24-GTE-16 as being assigned to North Platte derrick 910006 in August 1969 prior to being moved to LA)
2	UP 907857	24-GTE-14	20-C-214	moved to LA fuel storage (#2) in 1976; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; to UPP 814
3	UP 903028	23-C-GTE-21	19-C-109	moved to LA fuel storage (#3) in 1971; moved to Ogden in September 1988; stored until moved to Cheyenne in late May 2009; arrived at Cheyenne on June 1, 2009 (photo dated June 27, 2009)
4	UP 903030	23-C-GTE-30	19-C-216	moved to LA fuel storage (#4) in 1971; moved to Ogden in September 1988; displayed with turbine 26/26B
5	UP 903026	24-GTE-6	20-C-206	moved to LA fuel storage (#5) in 1971; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; scrapped at Cheyenne in 2001-2002
6	UP 903029	23-C-GTE-23	19-C-107	moved to LA fuel storage (#6) in 1971; moved to Ogden in September 1988; stored until moved to Cheyenne in late May 2009; arrived at Cheyenne on June 1, 2009 (photo dated June 27, 2009)

The three tenders (LA 3, 4, 6) at Ogden were received on September 20, 1988, as shown in a Polaroid photo taken by Norm Frost on that day; in archives of Ogden Union Station.

UP 903028 and 903029 arrived in Ogden in September 1988, and were stored in the vicinity of Ogden Union Station until plans were made to move them to Cheyenne in August 2005, including instructions being issued to include them as part of a special train that was moving equipment from Portola, California, to Cheyenne. The cars were found to be unmovable due to lack of required lubrication and inspection. After having been noted at Ogden on May 10, 2009 during the ceremony for the 140th anniversary of the golden spike, UP 903028 and 903029 were moved from Ogden to Green River during late May 2009. They had AEI tags installed at Green River. With AEI tags installed, the tenders and their movements were recorded in UP's car tracking computer. Both cars were moved from Green River to Cheyenne on May 31, 2009 on train MGRCY-31, arriving in Cheyenne at 4:03am on June 1, 2009.

Ogden Fuel Storage

In February 1971, two retired GTE tenders were moved to Ogden, Utah, for use as fuel storage. The two tenders were moved to an isolated piece of track adjacent to the locomotive service facilty at the south end of Ogden's Riverdale Yard, west and north of the south yard tower.

The two fuel storage tenders at Ogden were two of the following four tenders; official records do not match actual sightings.

Tender 23-GTE-24 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-113, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3828; locomotive retired in July 1959 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-24 in September 1960; last assigned to UP 29-29B (retired February 1970); moved to Ogden in February 1971; retired in July 1973 (further disposition unknown).
Tender 23-GTE-27 was built in 1937 as tender 19-C-208, last assigned to UP 4-6-6-4 3825; locomotive retired in April 1957 and tender stored; converted to non-insulated tender 23-GTE-27 in November 1960; removed from assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; moved to Ogden in February 1971; renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903034 in May 1972 (further disposition unknown).
Tender 24-GTE-5 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-205, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 806; retired in May 1956 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-1 (assigned to UP 61); changed to 24-GTE-5 in January 1957; last assigned to UP 23-23B (retired February 1970); moved to Ogden in February 1971; retired in July 1973 (further disposition unknown).
Tender 24-GTE-7 was built in 1937 as tender 20-C-207, last assigned to UP 4-8-4 815; retired in October 1957 and converted to tender 24-C-GTE-7 in December 1957; removed from its assigned GTE locomotive ca. 1968-1970 and stored; moved to Ogden in February 1971; renumbered to UP Fuel Oil Storage 903033 in May 1972 (further disposition unknown).

In his book "Turbines Westward," on page 144d, the author states that of the two, the 23-GTE tender was numbered as UP 903033, and the 24-GTE tender was numbered as UP 903034.

UP's "offical" equipment record book shows that UP 903033 was renumbered from tender 24-GTE-7, and UP 903034 was renumbered from 23-GTE-27, reversed from what Tom Lee states in his caption.

The equipment record book also shows that tenders 23-GTE-24 and 24-GTE-5 were the two tenders moved to Ogden in February 1971. (This is another case of UP's equipment record not matching what actually happened out on the railroad.)

903000 Series Fuel Storage

Roadway Number	GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Date To Roadway Number	Date Roadway Retired	Notes
UP 903019	24-GTE-12	20-C-212	Jun 1971	Jul 1977	assigned to fuel storage at Colton, replacing LA&SL 910666
UP 903025	24-GTE-4	20-C-204	Jul 1973	Apr 1976	moved to LA in 1971
UP 903026	24-GTE-6	20-C-206	Jul 1973		moved to LA (#5) in 1971
UP 903027	24-GTE-9	20-C-209	Jul 1973		moved to LA in 1971
UP 903028	23-C-GTE-21	19-C-109	Jul 1973		moved to LA (#3) in 1971; LA #3; to Ogden in 1988; to Cheyenne in June 2009
UP 903029	23-C-GTE-23	19-C-107	Jul 1973		moved to LA (#6) in 1971; LA #6; to Ogden in 1988; to Cheyenne in June 2009
UP 903030	23-C-GTE-30	19-C-216	Jul 1973	ca. 1987	moved to LA (#4) in 1971; LA #4; to Ogden in 1988; displayed with turbine 26/26B
UP 903033	24-GTE-7	20-C-207	May 1972		moved to Ogden (Riverdale) in 1971; removed after March 1975
UP 903034	23-C-GTE-27	19-C-208	May 1972		moved to Ogden (Riverdale) in 1971; removed after March 1975

907850 Series Water Storage

Roadway Number	GTE Tender Number	Steam Tender Number	Date To Roadway Number	Date Roadway Retired	Notes
UP 907851	24-GTE-11	20-C-211	Apr 1972	Dec 1973
UP 907852	24-GTE-2	20-C-202	Apr 1972	Dec 1973
UP 907853	24-GTE-13	20-C-213	Apr 1972	Mar 1984	1
UP 907854	24-GTE-10	20-C-210	Apr 1972	Apr 1973
UP 907855	24-GTE-17	20-C-102	Apr 1972	Jul 1973
UP 907856	24-GTE-16	20-C-101	Apr 1972	(Sep 1973)	2
UP 907857	24-GTE-14	20-C-214	Apr 1972		3
UP 907858	24-GTE-3	20-C-203	Apr 1972	Dec 1973

Notes:

UP 907853 was used as a water car for UP 4-8-4 8444 during the late 1970s and early 1980s; to Illinois Railroad Museum; displayed with turbine 18/18B
UP 907856 was assigned to North Platte derrick 910006 in August 1969; removed from derrick service after UP 910006 was converted to diesel power circa 1976; moved to LA fuel storage (#1) circa 1976; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; to UPP 809.
UP 907857 was moved to LA fuel storage (#2) circa 1976; moved to Cheyenne in September 1988; used as a water car for UP Heritage steam program after 1988; to UPP 814

More Information

Union Pacific's Turbine Era, by A. J. Wolff (Withers Publishing Co., 2001)

Turbines Westward, by Thomas R. Lee (T. Lee Publications, 1975)

Giants of the West, by George R. Cockle (Overland Publications, 1981)

Motive Power of the Union Pacific, by William Kratville and Harold E. Ranks (Barnhart Press, 1959; sixth printing 1977)

"8500 Horsepower Without Cylinders", Trains magazine, Volume 16, Number 5, March 1956, page 18

Sources

Based on information compiled by Dick Harley; with additional information from UP's equipment record book, and from other interested individuals.

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