EMD GP15-1

EMD GP15-1

Union Pacific Yard (UPY)742, a GP15-1 idles in Union Pacific's Global 1 intermodal yard in Chicago, IL.

Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) Model GP15-1 Build date June 1976 – March 1982 Total produced 310

Specifications AAR wheel arr. B-B Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Length 54 ft 11 in (16.74 m) Loco weight 246,000 lb (111,600 kg) Fuel capacity 2,400 imp gal (11,000 l; 2,900 US gal) Prime mover EMD 645E Engine type V12 2-stroke diesel Aspiration Roots blower Displacement 7,740 cu in (126.8 L) Cylinders 12 Cylinder size 9.1 in × 10 in (231 mm × 254 mm) Transmission diesel electric Loco brake Straight air Train brakes 26-L air

Performance figures Power output 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) Tractive effort 47,000 lbf (210 kN)

Career Locale United States

The EMD GP15-1 is a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between June 1976 and March 1982. Intended to provide an alternative to the rebuilding programs that many railroads were applying to their early road switchers, it is generally employed as a yard switcher or light road switcher. This locomotive is powered by a 12-cylinder EMD 645E engine, which generates 1,500 hp (1,119 kW). The GP15-1 uses a 50-foot-9-inch (15.47 m) frame, has a wheelbase of 29 ft 9 in (9.07 m) and has a length over couplers of 54 ft 11 in (16.74 m). A total of 310 units were built for American railroads. A number of GP15-1s remain in service today for yard work and light road duty. The radiator section is similar to those found on the EMD SD40T-2 and EMD SD45T-2 "tunnel motors," leading some observers to incorrectly identify the units as such or as GP15Ts, and giving them the nickname "baby tunnel motors".

The Missouri Pacific Railroad purchased more units than the other three buyers combined. For spotting purposes, the MP models have a number of visually distinguishing features, though not all were applied consistently to the MP units: