EMD GP60

Infobox Locomotive
name=EMD GP60
powertype=Diesel-electric


caption=SSW (SP-owned) 9673 in Caliente, California
gauge=RailGauge|ussg
builder=General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
buildmodel=GP60, GP60M, GP60B
builddate=1985 – 1994
aarwheels=B-B
cylindercount=16
primemover=EMD 710G3
poweroutput=3,800 hp
length=59 ft 9 in (18.2 m)
fuelc
gal
totalproduction=294 GP60; 63 GP60M; 23 GP60B
An EMD GP60 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between 1985 and 1994. The GP60 was EMD's first diesel that was classified as a third-generation locomotive. Hidden behind the electrical cabinet doors on the rear wall of the cab, the GP60 concealed a trio of microprocessors that monitored and managed a host of engine, cooling system and control functions. A hallmark of the 60 series and the defining detail of third-generation locomotives, on-board microprocessors replaced hundreds of wiring circuits, dozens of relays and all but one module card in what many observers consider to be one of the most significant technological advances since the dawn of dieseldom.Fact|date=February 2007

Power was provided by a 16-cylinder EMD 710G3 diesel engine, which could produce 3,800 horsepower. This locomotive was 59 feet 9 inches long and featured a 3,700 gallon fuel tank. The GP60 series shared the same frame as the GP59. Cabless units of this locomotive model were also built; they were known as GP60B models, purchased exclusively by the Santa Fe Railroad. Units built with a comfort/safety cab and a wide nose were designated GP60M and all purchased by Santa Fe Railroad. A total of 294 GP60, 23 GP60B and 63 GP60M units were built by EMD. Due to the mainstream focus of railroads on big powerful six-axle units, the GP60 will most likely be the last new EMD "Geep".

Railroads and Models

Santa Fe followed its 40 standard-cab GP60s with an order for 63 custom GP60Ms. The first new units delivered in the road's revived "Super Fleet" Warbonnet Paint Scheme, and the only 60 series B-Bs built with North American cabs, Santa Fe GP60Ms 100-162 were delivered between May and September 1990.

23 GP60Bs were built, all for Santa Fe. Taking advantage of the cabless configuration, the dynamic brake equipment on the GP60B was moved forward and away from the prime mover. Santa Fe 325-347 were the only GP60Bs. Some of these remain in service with BNSF.

Rio Grande's first (and last) 60 series units were GP60s 3154-3156, built to SP specs in May 1990.

Southern Pacific purchased the first, last, and largest fleet of GP60s, ordering 195 units between December 1987 and Feb. 1994. Nearly half of the SP Fleet was lettered for subsidiary Cotton Belt, but an even 100 were pure Southern Pacific.

Two units built for the Texas Mexican Railway were returned to lessor Helm Financial after Kansas City Southern acquired the Tex Mex. The pair operated for a while in lease service on CSX, then were briefly on the roster of the Vermont Railway System as its 381-382 before that carrier deemed them unsuitable for its operations. The 381 was even repainted into VRS red and white before being returned to Helm in 2004.

It is rumored that Conrail was considering purchasing GP60s but this has not been substantiated.

Original owners