EMD "GP59" and "GP60" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Last revised: December 16, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The GP60 is a four-axle road-switcher produced by Electro-Motive between 1985-1994. It is powered by a 16-cylinder, model 710G3A prime mover, capable of producing 3,800 horsepower.
The locomotive was the last in the heralded General Purpose series, dating back to the iconic GP7 and GP9 of the postwar era. While the model signaled the end of EMD's four-axle line it featured the latest advancements, including microprocessor controls, which marked another significant step forward in locomotive technology.
In addition, its 3,800 horsepower made the GP60 the most powerful Geep ever produced. The model sold slightly better than its predecessor - the GP50.
In addition, the 12-cylinder variant, GP59, saw 36 examples completed for Norfolk Southern in the latter 1980s, including the three demonstrators.
The GP60 is also noteworthy as being the last Geep model produced at EMD's storied La Grange, Illinois plant when demonstrators #5-7 were completed in 1985.
Photos
An Electro-Motive builder's photo of GP60 demonstrator #EMD-5 in 1985. This unit would enter the company's lease fleet.Specifications
The GP60 is widely regarded as EMD's initial third-generation locomotive. As Greg McDonnell notes in his book, "Locomotives: The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference," the '60 was equipped with an array of new technological features such as microprocessor controls and an advanced cooling system.
Never before had a locomotive contained such state-of-the-art computers and software in an effort to provide maximum engine output and efficiency. The microprocessors eliminated a labyrinth of relays, switches, and interlocks, which were replaced by a single module card.
The locomotive was powered by EMD's latest prime mover, the 710G3. The builder also offered a 12-cylinder version known as the GP59, which debuted in June, 1985 when demonstrators #8-10 were completed.
Santa Fe GP60 #4017 is seen here at San Bernardino, California on September 4, 1989. American-Rails.com collection.These units were rated at 3,000 horsepower and featured interesting touches to the carbody - greater beveling along the edges with a pointed nose - in an experimental effort to reduce aerodynamic drag. However, these cosmetic features were not incorporated into cataloged GP59s.
Ultimately, this more fuel efficient model found just a single buyer, Norfolk Southern. It went on to purchase 33 production units as well as the demonstrators.
Perhaps the most famous was NS #4610, commissioned to commemorate the Southern Railway and adorned in the predecessor’s beautiful Virginia Green and white livery with gold trim.
Taken from Hill 582 (in railfan lingo), a quartet of relatively new Santa Fe GP60Ms, led by #121, work a stack train over Cajon Pass on October 19, 1992. Marty Bernard photo.The more powerful GP60 contained a standard 16-cylinder, 7103G engine. It offered the greatest output ever cataloged by EMD in its four-axle line, capable of producing a hefty 3,800 horsepower.
The demonstrators also featured the same aerodynamic touches as their 12-cylinder counterparts. In addition, EMD equipped them with every option it had available at the time including three different styles of fuel connections; nose and oscillating headlights, a rotating rooftop beacon, and cab air-conditioning.
Santa Fe's late era four-axle power at Corwith Yard in Chicago on May 24, 1991. From left to right; GP60M #127, B40-8W #524, GP60M #111, and GP60M #158. Marty Bernard photo.Reception
Once more, EMD marketed the locomotive for fast-freight service but the industry had long since cooled to four-axle power for such assignments. Nevertheless, the '60 did enjoy higher sales than its predecessor with more than 400 produced (including the GP59).
Data Sheet
| Entered Production (GP59) | 6/1985 (Demonstrators #8-10) |
| Entered Production (GP60) | 10/1985 (Demonstrators #5-7) |
| Years Produced (GP59) | 6/1985 - 12/1989 |
| Years Produced (GP60) | 10/1985 - 1/1994 |
| Years Produced (GP60M) | 5/1990 - 9/1990 |
| Years Produced (GP60B) | 7/1991 - 9/1991 |
| Engine (GP60) | 710G3 |
| Engine (GP59) | 710G3A |
| Engine Builder | GM |
| Horsepower (GP59) | 3000 |
| Horsepower (GP60) | 3800 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Cylinders (GP60) | 16 |
| Cylinders (GP59) | 12 |
| Length (GP60) | 59' 2" |
| Length (GP59) | 59' 9" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 15' 7 ½" |
| Width | 10' 4 ½" |
| Weight | 270,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity (GP59) | 3700 Gallons |
| Fuel Capacity (GP60) | 3200 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WBO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24L |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Blomberg |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | D87 (4), GM |
| Primary Generator | AR22, GM |
| Auxiliary Generator | Delco (64-72) |
| Alternator | D14 |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 65,000 Lbs at 20% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 62,400 Lbs at 11.1 mph |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
Production Rosters
GP59
Total Built = 36
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Numbers | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrator | 8-10* | 836062-1 thru 836062-3 | 6/1985 | 3 |
| Norfolk Southern | 4609-4641** | 887007-1 thru 887007-33 | 11/1989 - 12/1989 | 33 |
* Became Norfolk Southern #4606-4608.
** Built by the General Motors Diesel Division (London, Ontario) on order C492.
GP60
Total Built = 294
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 5-7 (became Locomotive Leasing Partners #6001-6003) | 836061-1 thru 836061-3 | - | 10/1985 |
| Southern Pacific | 9600-9619 | 866185-1 thru 866185-20 | C468 (built at GMDD) | 12/1987-2/1988 |
| Santa Fe | 4000-4019 | 876031-1 thru 876031-20 | C470 (built at GMDD) | 5/1988-6/1988 |
| St. Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9620-9634 | 876054-1 thru 876054-15 | C473 (built at GMDD) | 9/1988-10/1988 |
| Santa Fe | 4020-4039 | 886012-1 thru 886012-20 | C488 (built at GMDD) | 7/1989-8/1989 |
| St. Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9635-9664 | 886024-1 thru 886024-30 | C489 (built at GMDD) | 8/1989-10/1989 |
| St. Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9665-9714 | 896003-1 thru 896003-50 | C496 (built at GMDD) | 2/1990-5/1990 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 3154-3156 | 896043-1 thru 896043-3 (built at GMDD) | - | 5/1990 |
| Texas-Mexican | 869 | 896051-1 (built at GMDD) | - | 5/1990 |
| Norfolk Southern | 7101-7143 | 907134-1 thru 907134-43 (built at GMDD) | - | 8/1991-10/1991 |
| Southern Pacific | 9715-9769 | 907137-1 thru 907137-55 (built at GMDD) | - | 4/1991-7/1991 |
| Texas-Mexican | 870 | 907148-1 (built at GMDD) | - | 10/1991 |
| Norfolk Southern | 7144-7150 | 907171-1 thru 907171-7 (built at GMDD) | - | 12/1991-1/1992 |
| Savannah River Project | 106 | 917216-1 (built at GMDD) | - | 10/1991 |
| Southern Pacific | 9770-9794 | 936428-1 thru 936428-25 | - | 11/1993-1/1994 |
GP60M
Total Built = 63
| Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | 100-162 | 886063-1 thru 886063-63 | C498 (built at GMDD) | 5/1990-9/1990 |
GP60B
Total Built = 23
| Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | 325-347 | 906143-1 thru 906143-23 | 7/1991-9/1991 |
BNSF GP60Ms #106 and #145, a GP60, and two more GP60Ms, have the "Boron Local" working the U.S. Borax Mine at Boron, California. Loyd Lowry photo.Southern Pacific wound up with the most standard GP60s, 195 in all (including 95 for subsidiary St. Louis Southwestern), although it was the Santa Fe which boasted the most interesting fleet. Among its 126 examples, 63 featured the new "North American" wide cab - dubbed GP60Ms (#100-162) - and another 23 cabless GP60Bs (#325-347).
The latter was the first cabless locomotives purchased by a North American Class 1 railroad since Union Pacific picked up forty GP30Bs in 1963. The GP60Bs - as well as their GP60M counterparts - were adorned in the classic "Warbonnet" livery, which had recently been revived by the AT&SF.
For railfans it was quite the treat and the locomotives were regularly captured on film during an era when locomotive variety - and classic paint schemes - were both rapidly disappearing from the American landscape.
Santa Fe GP60Ms, led by #101, hustle trailers past the Amtrak station at Stockton, California on May 17, 1993. Marty Bernard photo.Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Marre, Louis A. and Pinkepank, Jerry A. Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide, The: A Comprehensive Reference Manual To Locomotives Since 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1989.
- McDonnell, Greg. Locomotives: The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference, 2nd Edition. Buffalo: Boston Mills Press/Firefly Books, 2015.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
- Solomon, Brian. GE and EMD Locomotives: The Illustrated History. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2014.
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