The Union Pacific GP60 Locomotive: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Unit

Introduction

The Union Pacific GP60 is a four-axle, 3,000-horsepower diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) between 1985 and 2001. It's a member of EMD's GP (General Purpose) family of locomotives and is designed for both freight and passenger service.

Historical Background

The GP60 was introduced in 1985 as an evolution of the successful GP50. It featured several upgrades, including a more powerful engine, improved traction control, and a redesigned cab for better visibility. Union Pacific was one of the largest purchasers of the GP60, acquiring a total of 234 units.

Design and Features

The GP60 is a visually distinctive locomotive with its long, sleek hood and large radiator sections. It's equipped with:

• 16-cylinder 710G3B prime mover: Rated at 3,000 horsepower
• DC traction motors: Two per axle, providing excellent tractive effort
• Microprocessor-controlled HEP (Head End Power) system: Powers passenger cars
• Whisper Cab: A quiet and ergonomic operator's compartment

Service History

Union Pacific's GP60 locomotives have served in various roles throughout the railroad's network. They've been used to haul:

• Freight trains: Coal, grain, intermodal, and general merchandise
• Passenger trains: The California Zephyr and other long-distance services
• Work trains: Track maintenance and construction operations

Unit Rosters and Variants

Unit Rosters

Variants

Several variants of the GP60 were built for Union Pacific:

• GP60M: 30 units with modified fuel tanks and HEP systems
• GP60B: 20 units with body modifications for better crashworthiness
• GP60Q: 14 units with a different cab design and underbody fuel tanks

Performance and Reliability

The GP60 has proven to be a reliable and efficient locomotive. According to Union Pacific's records:

• Average annual mileage: Over 100,000 miles
• Mean time between failures: Over 1,000 hours
• Fuel efficiency: Approximately 0.9 gallons per mile

Retirement and Preservation

As of 2023, a handful of Union Pacific GP60 locomotives remain in active service. However, most have been retired due to the introduction of newer and more efficient models. Several units have been preserved by museums and railroad heritage organizations.

Legacy

The Union Pacific GP60 has left an enduring legacy as a versatile and dependable locomotive. It played a crucial role in the railroad's operations for over three decades and continues to be remembered as a classic example of American diesel-electric technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many GP60 locomotives did Union Pacific own?
   - 234 units

2. What's the horsepower rating of the GP60?
   - 3,000 horsepower

3. What type of prime mover does the GP60 use?
   - 16-cylinder 710G3B diesel engine

4. How many traction motors does the GP60 have?
   - Eight (two per axle)

5. What kind of HEP system does the GP60 have?
   - Microprocessor-controlled HEAD system

6. What's the approximate fuel efficiency of the GP60?
   - 0.9 gallons per mile