The locomotives were never delivered because the US State Department banned sales of strategic goods to the Soviet Union whilst production was underway. This included the electric locomotives, which were considered strategical to the Soviet Railways. Before the ban, the tensions between the USA and USSR caused the Soviet railway engineers to be recalled back to their country. GE completed their locomotives, but they were left with no owner. 2 units received damages during trials. Although minimal, unit 29924 collided with unit 29923, causing significant damage to the leading axle.