The EMD GP39-2 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between 1974 and 1984. 239 examples of this locomotive were built for American railroads. Part of the EMD Dash 2 line, the GP39-2 was an upgraded GP39. The power for this locomotive was provided by a turbocharged 12-cylinder 12-645E3 diesel engine, which could produce 2,300 horsepower (1,720 kW).
Unlike the original GP39, which sold only 23 examples as railroads preferred the reliable non-turbocharged GP38, the GP39-2 was reasonably successful, ascribed to its better fuel economy relative to the GP38-2, which became of more interest in the 1970s energy crisis, and to its better performance at altitude.
Original owners
The GP39-2 sold to five railroads and two industrial operators:
Rebuilds
Union Pacific has rebuilt 7 of their GP39-2's into GP39N's at their Jenk's shop. These units received a microprocessor control system to increase adhesion, control options, and extend the life of the locomotive.
Preservation
Only one GP39-2 is preserved as of 2019:
- CSX 4317, former Reading Company 3412, is preserved at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. 4317 is the first GP39-2 in preservation.
References
External links
Media related to EMD GP39-2 locomotives at Wikimedia Commons
- Sarberenyi, Robert. EMD GP39-2 Original Owners
