GP59 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
A demonstrator GP59 stands outside of former Southern Railway shops (now Norfolk Southern) before it was purchased and repainted by NS. Notice how the wedge-shaped cab follows the headlight and numberboards. Photo credit Joe Vittitoe
The GP59 locomotive is a V12 engine-equipped version of the V16-equipped GP60. This locomotive has the same improvements compared to it's GP49 predecessor as the GP60 had to the GP50; the GP59 has an all new 710 series engine, compared to the overburdened and problematic 645F. Later GP59s (also like 60s) had unique dynamic grids, which have a more boxy appearance the 60 series locomotives are known for. One thing that is different between previous V12 offerings from EMD is the GP59 has all three fans like a V16 locomotive, breaking a trend of only two fans ever since the GP39 began the V12 trend.
Much like the GP49 locomotives before them, railroads were not majorly interested in having V12 locomotives, especially to run hot intermodal freight trains (the reason why most railroads purchased the GP60 and other 4 axles locomotives like the GE B40-8). Out of a 4 year stint on EMD catalogs (from 1985-1989), only 36 GP59s were made; 3 demonstrators were produced, along with 33 purchased by Norfolk Southern. NS, the only buyer of the GP59, also eventually acquired the 3 demonstrators that had a unique wedge-shaped cab design.
Norfolk Southern 4610, one of the more famous GP59s within their fleet, shows off its Southern paint scheme in a yard track ALSO in Ludlow, KY in 1995 (7 years after the demonstrator GP59.) The unit has since been repainted since NS started its heritage unit fleet. Photo credit also to Joe Vittitoe
A former EMD demonstrator (now NS) with the aerodynamic cab. Photo credit NSDash9.com and Bob Harpe
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | 12-710G3A |
| Horsepower | 3000 HP |
| Truck Type | EMD "Blomberg" M |
| Axles | 4 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight | 260,000 lbs ⚠ |
| Maximum Weight | 290,000 lbs ⚠ |
| Model Base Speed | 70 MPH |
| Top Speed | 70, 76, 82 or 88 MPH |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 6600 amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1650 amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1205 amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Automatic |
| Transition Groups | 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1 |
| Generator Transition | Yes |
| Traction Control | APR with sanding |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers |
| DB Max Current | 700 |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 700 |
| 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 |
| Compressor CFM | 254 (WBO @ 900 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35 Cubic Feet |
###Notes:
⚠: Not verified or educated guess