The Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors built the GP7 series to provide freight and passenger services. And it was a huge hit right away! It was such a hit that it even outsold its predecessors in terms of production. With that considered, learning about the beauty that began its voyage in the 1930s is an incredible delight for oneself.
The history of the EMD GP7
The designers of the EMD GP7, ALCO, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin did not begin their adventure with this model. It all started when they released the BL2 as a means of competing in the road-switcher business
They were, however, a huge failure with their project, which is when they came out with the EMD GP7, which turned the market on its head. They made sure that the GP7 didn’t have any of the truss-framed strained car bodies.
The EMD GP7’s frame is made up of welded structural steel elements that are flat, shaped, and rolled, as well as steel forgings. To date, manufacturers have adhered to the same construction principle.
However, they may not be ideal for high-demand applications. Short line railroads and industrial operators have employed them for this reason. Furthermore, by the end of the 1980s, most Class 1 lines had abandoned this engine in favor of switcher locomotives.
The term “GP” stands for “general purpose” in the locomotive’s designation. The number 7 on this locomotive, however, has no literal importance other than to match the EMD F7 cab unit that was in production at the time.
One of the factors that contributed to the locomotive’s popularity was the use of a hood unit design rather than a car-body design. As a result, the producers were able to reduce the unit’s construction costs, which benefits the unit much in terms of maintenance and front and rear visibility for switching.
What Engine is in an EMD GP7?
The EMD GP7 is powered by a 16-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 1,500 horsepower (1,119kW). Although the GP7 locomotive is available with and without control cabs, those without control cabs are referred to as GP7B. Five of them were constructed between March and April of 1953.
What is the Current Status of EMD GP7?
The EMD series continues to offer 710-powered locomotives that can be updated with “ECO” packages to modernize older locomotives. This improved model has greatly benefited the manufacturing company in surviving the locomotive market’s hardship. The GP7 models, on the other hand, are on display at several well-known tourist attractions and museums, including the Conway Scenic Railroad, the Minnesota Transportation Museum, and the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey.
What Engine is in an EMD GP7?
The EMD GP7 is equipped with a 16-cylinder engine that can produce up to 1500 horsepower. With that much power, it can attain a top speed of 65 miles per hour.
How long is an EMD GP7?
The EMD GP7 locomotive has a length of 55 ft 11 in, which is around 17 meters long.
How many EMD GP7 are there?
There have only ever been 2,729 EMD GP7 units made in the world. Aside from that, there are 5 other 5 B units on the market.
How much Horsepower does an EMD GP7 have?
The EMD GP7’s engine can produce 1,500 horsepower.
What does an EMD GP7 weigh?
The EMD GP7 is 112 tons in weight.
How much does an EMD GP7 cost?
Unfortunately, the EMD GP7’s exact price is not yet known. However, it’s safe to assume that this locomotive cost more than $200,000 in the 1930s.
Are there other versions of EMD GP7?
There are several other variants of this particular model of the locomotive, which includes:
GP11
GP7u
GP7R
GP7B
GP8
Conclusion
The GP7 was not only light, but it also had a lot of pulling power, which was ideal for tiny lines. These magnificent locomotives are the reason we have so many lighter and faster locomotives today! As a result, we still have locomotives like this in museums and tourist attractions as a reminder of our history!
Peter has been building model trains for longer than he can remember. An avid fan of HO and O scale this blog is a creative outlet to allow him to dive further into other scales and aspects of the model train community and hobby.
