The EMD GP15, technically listed by the builder as the GP15-1, was a late model of the General Purpose series intended by Electro-Motive to be, essentially, an updated version of their GP7, GP9, or GP20 for light duty use (such as on branch lines or yard service). Those models were also being rebuilt during the GP15's era, the late 1970s, and EMD's intent with the design was also to provide railroads the option of just purchasing new. The GP15 sold relatively well for a four-axle model during the time that railroads were beginning to heavily favor six-axle units (the phenomenally successful SD40-2 was in production at the time), although just a handful of Class Is ultimately purchased it. It also came offered in two different variants; the GP15T and GP15.
Today, several GP15s remain in service on Class I systems (such as Union Pacific and CSX Transportation) as well as smaller lines. In an era where locomotive manufacturers rarely offer switchers or variants for light-duty service, these Geeps are perfect for such assignments. Ironically, they have outlived newer road-switchers on Class I rosters built some 15 to 20 years later.
The EMD GP15 (also known as the GP15-1) began production in the early summer of 1976 as an updated version of the builder's early GP models like the GP7 and GP9. It featured General Motors' latest prime mover at the time, the 12-cylinder model 645E, which could produce a respectable 1,500 horsepower. Using a B-B truck setup (as did all GP series locomotives) and GM's model D77 traction motor the GP15 could produce 48,000 pounds of continuous tractive effort and 61,000 pounds continuous. Visually, the EMD GP15 looked like a shorter version of the more powerful GP38-2/GP39-2, which were being manufactured during the time. The model was only a little less than 55-feet in length but featured EMD's low-nose, "Spartan Cab" (also known as the standard cab).
A History Of The Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
EMD's General Motors Diesel
Early Switchers: SW, SC, NW, NC
SW9
SW900
SW1000
SW1001 Variant
SW1200
SW1500
F2
F3
F7
FP7
F9
New Haven's FL9
F40PH Series
F45 Series
GP7
GP9
GP18
RS1325
GP20
GP30
GP35
GP38 Series
GP40 Series
GP50
SD35
SD38 Series
SD40/SD40-2 Series
SD45 Series
SD50
SD60 Series
SD70 Series
SD75M/I Variant
Conrail's SD80MAC
SD90MAC
SD70ACe
Constructed during the height of EMD's reign of manufacturing leader, the company intended the GP15 to be an alternative for railroads looking to rebuild older Geeps like their first generation GP7s and GP9s (and other manufacturer's models still in service at that time such as early designs built by the American Locomotive Company, Baldwin, and Fairbanks Morse). It is very likely that EMD realized that their would not be a high demand for such a specialized model like the GP15 understanding that many lines would probably find it cheaper to simply rebuild older units. And, to a greater degree the company was correct as few Class Is ultimately purchased the GP15. When production had ended on the variant GP15T (which was turbocharged) in the spring of 1983 just five Class Is purchased 338 examples. Overall buyers for all variants of the GP15 included the Chesapeake & Ohio (28 GP15Ts), Apalachicola Northern (3 GP15Ts), Chicago & North Western (25), Conrail (100), Missouri Pacific (160 GP15s and 30 GP15ACs), IAFFE of Venezuela (4 GP15ACs), and the Frisco (25).
As mentioned above there were two variants of the GP15; the GP15T and the GP15AC. The former model was offered by EMD with an 8-cylinder model 645 prime mover that featured a turbocharger (thus the "T" designation). Equipped with fewer cylinders but offering the same horsepower as the standard GP15 it was far more fuel efficient, thus an operational savings to the railroads that purchased it, the C&O/Chessie System and Apalachicola Northern (of note, the former's GP15Ts were equipped with dynamic brakes while the AN's were not). It was built between October, 1982 and April, 1983 with a total of 34 constructed.
Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Date Built |
---|---|---|---|
Chicago & Eastern Illinois (MP) | 1570-1574 | 5 | 1976 |
Chicago & North Western | 4400-4424 | 25 | 1976 |
Conrail | 1600-1699 | 100 | 1979 |
Missouri Pacific | 1555-1569, 1575-1714 | 155 | 1976-1979 |
St. Louis San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 100-124 | 25 | 1977 |
Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Date Built |
---|---|---|---|
Missouri Pacific | 1715-1744 | 30 | 1982 |
Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Date Built |
---|---|---|---|
Chesapeake & Ohio | 1500-1524 | 25 | 1982 |
Apalachicola Northern Railroad | 720-722 | 3 | 1983 |
The latter model, the GP15AC, was requested by the MoPac to feature the model AR10, alternating current (AC) alternator instead of the standard General Motors' model D32 direct current (DC) generator. The railroad purchased 30 examples of the locomotive while foreign line IAFFE of Venezuela picked up another 4. Interestingly, while few railroads purchased the EMD GP15, many remain in service today as the Class Is which inherited those purchased by their predecessors continue to find the model a reliable and useful light duty unit, notably in yard service. Places you can GP15s in service include UP, CSX, California Northern, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern, Wisconsin Northern, Gulf, Colorado, & San Saba, Puget Sound & Pacific, Utah Central, and Larry's Truck & Electric.
Header Photo: Drew Jacksich
A popular pastime for many is studying and/or exploring abandoned rights-of-way. Today, there are tens of thousands of miles scattered throughout the country. Many were pulled up in the 1970's and 1980's although others were removed long before that. If you are researching active or abandoned corridors you might want to check out the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Historical Topographic Map Explorer. It is an excellent resource with thousands of historic maps on file throughout the country. Just type in a town or city and click on the timeline of maps at the bottom of the page!
You will be hard pressed at finding a better online resource regarding diesel locomotives than Craig Rutherford's TheDieselShop.us. The website contains everything from historic (fallen flags) to contemporary (Class I's, regionals, short lines, and even some museums/tourist lines) rosters, locomotive production information, technical data, all notable models cataloged by the five major builders (American Locomotive, Electro-Motive, General Electric, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin), and much more. A highly recommended database!
In 1998 a gentleman by the name of Andre Kristopans put together a web page highlighting virtually every unit every out-shopped by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division. Alas, in 2013 the site closed by thankfully Don Strack rescued the data and transferred it over to his UtahRails.net site (another fine resource). If you are researching anything EMD related please visit this page first. The information includes original numbers, serials, and order numbers.