NS GP60
Perspective
Emerging through a shroud of trees, the #7121 leads two other mates with NS 212 in tow at Landis, NC in September 2006. Dan Robie 2006
In the roughly twenty year period that I have watched trains along the Norfolk Southern Piedmont Division, there has been a diversity of motive power both inherit to NS, leasing companies, and foreign roads. When most think of the power here, the high hood versions of the GP38-2, GP50, and SD40-2 typically come to mind because of their uniqueness. Nowadays, the Heritage Fleet probably tops the list along with the F units used on the NS Executive trains.
In the roughly twenty year period that I have watched trains along the Norfolk Southern Piedmont Division, there has been a diversity of motive power both inherit to NS, leasing companies, and foreign roads. When most think of the power here, the high hood versions of the GP38-2, GP50, and SD40-2 typically come to mind because of their uniqueness. Nowadays, the Heritage Fleet probably tops the list along with the F units used on the NS Executive trains.
The period that I spent the most time along NS was 2004-2007 and it was during this era that the road used as standard practice what could be considered as an anomaly in 21st century railroading---the use of four axle power in intermodal service. The signature locomotive of this set was the GP60 and it was common to see sets of them hustling pig trains along the eastern north-south corridor. Certainly other locomotives were also used whether EMD or GE but the GP60 was dedicated with few exceptions to this type of service. Intermodal trains were the highlight for me during this era because these GP60 sets were my favorite power consists on NS rails. Some of this no doubt was a result of a harkening back to my youth witnessing the GP30 through GP40-2 mixed sets used by the Chessie System.
Perhaps the most unique NS GP60 is the Operation Lifesaver #7140. The new number boards and "horsehead" scheme further enhanced the appearance of this four axle racehorse. Dan Robie 2007
The symbol on this #7118 led train was I13. Running the single track between Landis and North Kannapolis. Dan Robie 2004
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A rare daylight NS 211 running through Kannapolis. Led by #7137, this locomotive is no longer on the roster. Dan Robie 2004
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Into the Sunset
The GP60 was simultaneously a first and last of a kind. The GP60 (along with its six-axle cousin SD60) was a “first”----generally identified as a third generation model----as it incorporated new microprocessor circuits which replaced older circuitry in previous EMD models. Conversely, it was the final four axle locomotive built by an Electro Motive Division of General Motors that was in wane with General Electric superseding it as the premier locomotive builder. It was offered in either the Spartan cab design long associated with EMD or in a wide "safety" cab version such as the ones purchased by the Santa Fe. It was also built as a cabless “B” unit with the Santa Fe the only buyer of these as well.
A quick grab shot of NS 213 splitting the old signals at North Kannapolis, NC. The #7123 leads through a scene that has since changed. Dan Robie 2003
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GP60 #7107 leads NS 213 around a curve at Concord, NC. Just ahead of the train are the signals and crossovers at control point (CP) Adams. Dan Robie 2004
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Spring rainfall enhanced the greenery of Landis, NC as NS 212 passes through. The #7123 and three sisters are power on this May 17, 2004 day. Dan Robie 2004
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Only three GP60s on this NS 213 at Concord, NC on May 20, 2005. The #7101 has the honor as the lead unit on this Atlanta, GA bound run. Dan Robie 2005
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GP60s in freight service was uncommon during this era. The highest number in the class--#7150--subs as power on Charleston, SC bound NS 337. Dan Robie 2004
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A chilly March 5, 2005 morning at Kannapolis, NC catches the #7108 on a hotshot train. The long ago extinct NS 24T moving northbound through town. Dan Robie 2005
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NS 212 passes through the backlight on the afternoon of September 29, 2006 at Kannapolis, NC. The #7126 is the lead unit on a mixed set of power. Dan Robie 2006
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The dynamic brakes were whining on the power led by #7114 descending Yadkin Hill at Spencer, NC. NS 204 nearing Linwood Yard for a crew change on August 18, 2006. Dan Robie 2006
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By the mid-1990s, the railroad industry was exclusively transitioning to six axle power with new orders deeming it more utilitarian for the future needs and by the early 21st century, this practice emerged full force. In spite of the shift to six axles, fleets of older four axle power populated the rosters that would still fulfill secondary uses. The year 2007 was when the winds of change blew in pertaining to the GP60 in intermodal service. NS began using the GE four axle B32-8s in intermodal service that were either mixed with GP60s or occasionally, in solid sets themselves. This was short lived, however, and soon the big six axle GEs took over as the predominant power with a sprinkling of six axle EMD power used as well. The GP60s are still out there serving in a hodgepodge of duties whether it be on locals, yard jobs, or secondary trains. The glory days of priority intermodal service are behind it now which in itself is a sad irony since that is the service it was primarily intended for.
End of an Era
This was the last solid GP60 set that I photographed. By this date, the intermodal sets were usually a mix of GP60s and GE B32-8s or six axle GEs. Here, the #7131 leads three other sisters as it passes through High Point, NC with NS 213 on June 23, 2007. Dan Robie 2007
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Two sepia images of the #7112 and #7129 at Barber, NC in October 2007. This time period was several months after the units were removed from intermodal service and reassigned to general freight duty. Both images Dan Robie 2007
Basic GP60 Specs
The date was December 12, 2004 when this NS 213 ran through Kannapolis at sunset. This is one of my favorite images of a GP60 quartet because it captures the husky appearance of these four axle powerhouses. Dan Robie 2004
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The Norfolk Southern took delivery of fifty GP60s in 1991 with the number series originally #7101-7150. The #7117 was involved in an accident resulting in the death of a crewman and the number on this unit was changed to #7100 in 1998 thereby becoming the new class unit by tragic default. As of 2013, two have been officially retired--#7111 and #7136.
Build Dates- 1985 through 1994 Length- ’59-“9 Weight- 270,000 lbs Horsepower-3800 Tractive Effort-65,000 lbs Additional data can be found here: The Diesel Shop NS Locos.com |
Seeing Versus OperatingAs railfans, what may be good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. We might like seeing certain locomotive consists or a particular leader but rail crews may look at that preference in an entirely different light since they are the ones operating them.
I make it a point to speak with engineers when possible to obtain their candid feedback about a particular locomotive. Of course, even they will have variances of opinion among themselves. Speaking with NS engineers about the GP60, the comments were mostly favorable. They load and accelerate quickly in addition to good pulling characteristics. The overwhelming negative that all shared is that it is a noisy locomotive. From a purely visual perspective, an impressive locomotive to watch. Exhaust pours out of them as they notch up and quickly gain speed. |
Unusual Sight
A double anomaly here. This set of GP60s is in freight service with NS 349 arriving at Lee, NC to the entrance of Linwood Yard. Long hood operation was not uncommon on NS by any means but a bit of a rare sight with GP60s. Dan Robie 2007
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GP60 Gallery
Additional random images of the GP60 in action from the early 2000s below:
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Close up profile of the #7130 as it leans into a curve at Landis, NC on September 19, 2006. Train is NS 204. Dan Robie 2006
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Two for the show--the #7110 is on NS 213 and the #7105 is on NS 349. Both are changing crews at the north end of Linwood Yard 0n April 11, 2007. Dan Robie 2007
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NS 204 drifts downgrade at Five Row (Spencer, NC) with the #7111 on the point. A crew change lies ahead at Linwood Yard on this December 2, 2006 day. Dan Robie 2006
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The #7120 and two sisters power a rare daylight NS 211 through Kannapolis, NC on July 28, 2006. Dan Robie 2006
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NS 213 was often laden with large cuts of TOFC. An exceptionally long block trails the power on this train led by the #7139 on January 19, 2006. Dan Robie 2006
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A scene that is considerably different today. NS 214 moves through the early morning at Landis, NC with the #7106 leading the way. Dan Robie 2006
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A long cut of TOFC on this NS 213 led by #7113 at Kannapolis, NC on November 18, 2006. SD40-2 #3285 is the power for NS P41. Dan Robie 2006
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The husky appearance of the GP60 is apparent with the #7142. NS 213 through North Kannapolis, NC on December 15, 2006. Dan Robie 2006
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Post-Intermodal Scenes
During the past several years, the presence of the GP60 has been sparse on the Charlotte District. Local power is typically represented by the GP38-2 and SD40-2 on most trains although on rare occasions, a GP60 will migrate onto the district and receive assignment on a local. It has been several years since I last photographed one but my son has had the good fortune to catch them at varying intervals. A few of his photos appear below.
The stillness at the long idle Dixie Furniture plant is shattered by the #7110 led NS P94 running through Lexington, NC. This train operates as a turn between Linwood Yard and Winston-Salem---here, it is returning south. Image Matt Robie 2015
A head on profile view of the #7110 running with NS P94 at Thomasville, NC. An SD40-2 and a SD40E complete the power. Image Matt Robie 2015
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Gray scale conversion of NS P92 moving through Gold Hill, NC with the #7144. Plenty of power on this branch line local. Image Matt Robie 2015
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2019 Update: Since this page was originally published in 2013, the GP60s remain in service on the NS roster. However, dramatic changes have occurred with railroad operations during the past six years of which the most profound is the implementation of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). Norfolk Southern has sold or retired several classes of locomotives and the fate of the GP60 remains to be seen as of this writing.
Its work completed at Mooresville, NS P23 moves through the countryside on the NS "L" line at Mount Ulla, NC on a hazy August afternoon. GP60 #7110 cruises with the small train on its return to Barber as it parallels NC Highway 801. Dan Robie 2021
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Fifteen years ago, the #7123 was a frequent sight running the main line at Salisbury, NC with intermodal trains. It still soldiers on today in local service as power on the Salisbury switcher. Dan Robie 2022
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