EMD GP59

EMD GP59
SOU4610, owned byNorfolk Southern.This unit has since been repainted into standard NS colors.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Motors Electro-Motive Division(EMD) Model GP59 Build date 1985 – 1989 Total produced 36
Specifications Configuration: ​ •AAR B-B •UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft8+1⁄2in(1,435 mm)standard gauge Length 59 ft 9 in (18.21 m) Fuel capacity 3,700 US gal (14,000 L; 3,100 imp gal) Prime mover EMD12-710G3A Engine type V12diesel Cylinders 12
Performance figures Power output 3,000 hp (2,200 kW)

TheEMD GP59is a 4-axle diesellocomotivemodel built byGeneral Motors Electro-Motive Divisionbetween 1985 and 1989. Power was provided by a 12-cylinderEMD 710G3A diesel engine, which could produce 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW). This locomotive shared the same common frame with theEMD GP60,giving it an overall length of 59 feet 9 inches (18.21 m). It featured a 3,700-US-gallon (14,000 L; 3,100 imp gal) fuel tank. 36 examples of this locomotive were built including three demonstrators.Norfolk Southernplaced the only order for the GP59 and also acquired the three demonstrators which featured anaerodynamiccab.

By adding acomfort cab,afull cowl body,and anHEPgenerator, the GP59 became theEMD F59PH.

In 2011 Norfolk Southern began a program to upgrade their fleet of GP59s, the only GP59s operating anywhere. The first one was not released until March 2013 as NS 4650 GP59E. The GP59E features a new EM2000 microprocessor, an all-new electrical cabinet with SmartStart auto start/stop, rebuilt 12-710G3C-BC prime-mover with EMDEC EUI system, NS-designed split cooling, the NS Admiral cab with cab signals, LSL, and CCB26 electronic brake valve. The GP59E is set up to operate with NS class RP-M4C road slugs.

In 2016, Norfolk Southern began a program to upgradeGP50and GP59 units to GP59ECO's. These will be similar to theGP33ECOlocomotives, but these units will be paid for by Norfolk Southern, not government funding. In June 2016, the first unit, 4662, was completed, rebuilt from GP50 7073.

Original owners

EMD GP59 orders
Railroad	Quantity	Road numbers	Notes
EMD	3	8-10	Acquired byNorfolk Southern& numbered NS 4606-4608
Norfolk Southern	33	4609-4641	4610 was painted in Southern Railway colors from 1992 to 2012, when it was repainted into a special NS/Operation Lifesaver(OLS) paint scheme to make way for the "heritage units", including NSGE ES44AC#8099, which is now the Southern Railway heritage unit. Units not rebuilt as GP59E's will be rebuilt as GP59ECOs. Units renumbered to avoid conflict with AC44C6M rebuilds.
Totals	36

External links

Media related toEMD GP59 locomotivesat Wikimedia Commons

• Sarberenyi, Robert.EMD GP60, GP60M, GP60B, and GP59 Original Owners
• AltoonaWorks.infoNS GP59E Rebuilds