GP30 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
EMD GP30 demonstrator on display in the warm Kodachrome-colored sun. Photo credits to american-rails.com
The EMD GP30 locomotive was built between the July of 1961 to November of 1963. The GP30, capable of 2250 HP, soon found favor with many railroads, and became a staple locomotive within railroad Americana and model railroads for decades to come.
EMD's original name for the locomotive was to be the GP22, reflecting the unit's horsepower rating for traction. This was consistent with the GP18/GP20 and SD18/SD24 locomotives produced by the builder in years prior. However, in 1959, General Electric introduced the U25B, with a power rating of 2500 horsepower. EMD's marketing team deemed that railroads would favor the U25B over the GP22 due to the larger number in the model name, and summarily changed the name from GP22 to GP30, citing "30 new improvements" over previous models, and nearly abandoning the horsepower-driven naming system for good.
One of the most distinct features of the GP30 came from the bump on the locomotive cab, created by the General Motors automotive team (yes, the same guys making station wagons and Camaros) to accommodate for a new, taller electrical cabinet that was too large for the existing GP7-GP20 hood. The GP30 was also the only 30 Series locomotive in production, as there was no SD30 ever produced. 908 were built.
The GP30 was also available in a B unit, which was purchased solely by Union Pacific. 40 were produced, with 13 of those equipped with steam generators for a short-lived stint on passenger service. The GP30 was replaced by the GP35 in 1963.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | EMD 16-567D3 |
| Horsepower | 2250 |
| Truck Type | EMD "Blomberg" B (1) |
| Axles | 4 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight | 244,800 lbs. |
| Maximum Weight | 270,000 lbs. ⚠ |
| Model Base Speed | 71 MPH |
| Top Speed | 71, 77, or 83 MPH |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 3000 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1500 Amps (1) |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 980 Amps (1) |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Automatic with Selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 0.93, 0.86, 0.79, 0.72, 0.65, 0.58, 1, 0.86, 0.72 ⚠ |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR + Sand |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers |
| DB Max Rated Current | 900 Amps |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 700 Amps |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 2 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26L (2) |
| Compressor CFM | 235 (WBO @ 835 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 28.4 Cubic Feet |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess
(1): GM&O, MILW, and Soo Line's GP30s rode on traded in AAR Type B trucks; the following numbers would reflect the donor locomotive: Max TM Current, Max Continuous TM Current.
(2): 6BL or 24RL optional.