GP39/39-2
From RailroadfanWiki
GP39
The Electromotive Division GP39 is a 4 axle, 2,300 HP diesel-electric locomotive built by EMD from 1969 to 1970. The GP39 uses a 12 cylinder 645E3 engine rated at 2,300 HP. It shares the same frame as the GP38, GP38-2, GP39-2, GP40, GP40-2 and GP50.
Marketed as a locomotive designed to fit in between the 2,000 HP GP38 and the 3,000 HP GP40, the GP39 was not a very good selling locomotive. Only 23 were built, most are still around today. Virginia Railway Express operates a fleet of 10 rebuilt GP39's in commuter service.
EMD also built 2 variants of the GP39. The first was the GP39DC, 2 of which were built for Kennecott Copper as their numbers 1 and 2. The GP39DC was a GP39 with a DC alternator instead of an AC one. The second variant was the GP39X, 6 of which were built for Southern Railway with high short hoods. They were rebuilt by EMD to GP49's in 1982 and retired by NS in 2001. Subsequently, they were sold to Florida commuter railway Tri-Rail, who rebuilt them with short hoods and added HEP for passenger operations, where they continue to work today.
GP39-2
The GP39-2 is the Dash 2 version of the GP39. Like the older GP39, the GP39-2 uses a 12 cylinder 645 prime mover rated at 2,300 HP. It also shares the same frame as the GP38 and others.
The GP39-2 was more successful than the GP39, with 239 units being built between 1974 and 1984. Santa Fe ordered the largest fleet, with 106 units. More fuel efficient than the GP38-2 and GP40-2, the GP39-2 gained a bit of popularity during the fuel conscious times on the 1970's and early 1980's. While many are no longer working for their original owners, the majority still work the rails of Class 1's and shortlines alike.
Roster of GP39-2's
|
Continue on to the GP40 Series
Back to the GP38 Series
Back to EMD Freight Locomotives
