EMD GP30

EMD GP30
A GP30, GP35, and GP20 run light in the late 1980s on California's Cajon Pass.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder
ModelGP30
Build dateJuly 1961 – November 1963
Total produced948
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter40 in (1.02 m)
Length56 ft 2 in (17.12 m)
Width10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)
Height15 ft 11 in (4.85 m)
Loco weight245,000 lb (111,130 kg)
Fuel capacity1,700–2,600 US gal (6,400–9,800 L; 1,400–2,200 imp gal)
Lubricant cap.243 US gal (920 L; 202 imp gal)
Coolant cap.251 US gal (950 L; 209 imp gal)
Sandbox cap.18 cu ft (0.51 m3)
Prime moverEMD 16-567D3
RPM:
 • RPM idle275
 • Maximum RPM835
Engine typeTwo-stroke V16 diesel
AspirationTurbocharger
GeneratorEMD D22
Traction motors4 × EMD D57
Cylinders16
Cylinder size8+12 in × 10 in (216 mm × 254 mm)
Gear ratio
  • 62:15
  • 61:16
  • 60:17
Loco brakeSchedule 26L Straight air, optional: dynamic
Performance figures
Maximum speed71–83 mph (114–134 km/h)
Power output2,250 hp (1,680 kW)
Career
LocaleNorth America
[1]
WC 715 at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI

The EMD GP30 is a 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division of La Grange, Illinois between July 1961 and November 1963.[2] A total of 948 units were built for railroads in the United States and Canada (2 only), including 40 cabless B units for the Union Pacific Railroad.[3]

It was the first so-called "second generation" EMD diesel locomotive, and was produced in response to increased competition by a new entrant, General Electric's U25B, which was released roughly at the same time as the GP30. The GP30 is easily recognizable due to its high profile and stepped cab roof, unique among American locomotives.[3] A number are still in service today in original or rebuilt form.

  1. ^ Electro-Motive Division (1963). Diesel locomotive operating manual for model GP30. La Grange, Illinois: General Motors.
  2. ^ Marre, Louis A. (1995). Diesel locomotives : the first 50 years : a guide to diesels built before 1972. Waukesha, WI: Kalmbach Pub. Co. pp. 60–61. ISBN 0-89024-258-5. OCLC 34531120.
  3. ^ a b Schafer, Mike (1998). Vintage diesel locomotives. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International. p. 40. ISBN 0-7603-0507-2. OCLC 38738930.