GP16

Infobox Locomotive
name=GP16
powertype=Diesel-electric
gauge=RailGauge|ussg


caption=Seaboard System Railroad #1786, a GP16 rebuild in its original paint scheme -- Mulberry, Florida.
builder=General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD);
rebuilt by the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad
aarwheels=B-B
cylindercount=
primemover=EMD 645
builddate=June 1979 —
November 1982
totalproduction=156
locale=North America
poweroutput=1,600 hp (1,194 kW)
topspeed=65 mph (105 km/h)
weight=258,000 lb (117,000 kg)
tractiveeffort=64,500 lbf (287 kN)
length=56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)
enginetype=2-stroke diesel
aspiration=
cylindersize=
displacement=
transmission=DC generator,
DC traction motors
locobrakes=straight air
trainbrakes=26L air
buildmodel=GP16

The Uceta GP16 was a series of rebuilt diesel-electric locomotives. Initiated by the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad in an effort to spare the cost of purchasing new motive power in the late 1970s. This involved the rebuilding of their aging fleet of 156 EMD GP7, GP9, and GP18 road switchers (many of which were over twenty years old).

The Program

The required modifications, which took nine weeks per unit on average to complete. The program resulted in a cost savings of almost 50% over buying new locomotives.

Included in the program:

* Rebuilding the underframe assembly;
* Remanufacturing the Blomberg B two-axle trucks, generators, and traction motors (all GP16s were configured with a B-B wheel arrangement);
* Replacing the existing 567 prime mover with a new EMD 645 series diesel engine, which boosted the horsepower rating to 1,600 in the case of the former GP7 locomotives. This gave rise to the "16" designation.
* Removal of the dynamic brakes, and installation of a new type 26L air brake system.
* Installation of a new high-voltage cabinet.
* Lowering the front nose of the carbody to improve visibility, and retrofitting with a new cab and standard AAR control stand.

Ancillary benefits included a lowered engine idling speed and increased fuel efficiency. SCL committed over 100 of its personnel to the conversion program. The first GP16 emerged from SCL's Uceta (Tampa) shop in June, 1979 while the last was placed into service during November, 1982.

In service

The rebuilt locomotives saw service throughout the system, engaging in a variety of duties from local switching to main-line freight hauling. Though SCL became part of the CSX Transportation system in the 1980s, the majority of the units remained active until 1992, when the bulk of the roster was retired and sold-off. Many GP16s remain in active service today on short line railroads around the country, far exceeding their 15-year projected lifespan.In 1993 the U. S. Army bought a small number of GP16s from CSX, which lead some people to think the Army built it. The locomotives were sent to Conrail's Junita Locomotive shops to be 'remanufactured' under contract with the Army. When they were completed, Conrail put a GP9M plate on them.

Footnotes

*In the late 1960s through the early 1970s, the Missouri Pacific Railroad repowered their entire roster of high-hood ALCO RS-11s with EMD 567 series diesel engines. These converted units were designated by the MP as "GP16s" presumably to reflect their new horsepower rating.

*Clinchfield Railroad had five GP7's rebuilt by the IGC and they were called GP11's. When CSX acquired these engines they were grouped as GP16's. Two notable features was the angled cab and air intake filters.

References

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ee also

* List of GM-EMD locomotives

External links

* [http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/html/GP16.html CSX GP16 photo archives]