My vote is for the double-end streamlined New Haven EF-3
9000 HP short time rating, about half that continuosly
running gear a further development of the GG-1 4-6-6-4
Designed for 60 mph, often run at 70, occasionally clocked at 79. Some were boilder equipped for passenger service in and out of Penn Station (no dc capability for Grand Central)
There never was a freight train on the New Haven on the electrified lines that it could not handle singly, including up the Hell Gate Bridge grades. Although it was equipped for mu.
Was the equal of four GP-9’s or two EF-4/E-33’s (the ex-Virginians)
I’ve got to go with the GG1.This was a very fast passenger loco,which was later adapted to haul freight.They lasted almost 50 years.They are my favorite electric engine.
…The GG-1…Powerful, durable and extra long lasting…Good looking for the times too via R. Loewy. My experience was limited in the riding department but remembering a round trip to NYC over 60 years ago…when it coupled on at Harrisburg and moved us out and up to speed, that sensation is still in my memory…Fantastic…!
GG-1 I have heard stories about it’s power under speed. I dont know if they are true. But one unit in particular fell into a Washington Station’s basement and it was so stout that they hauled it out and put it back in service for the rest of it’s life.
How about the GN W-1 5018 and 5019 they rode on B-D-D-B powered trucks and developed just over 5,000 hp. when they were delivered it took more than a three unit set of F-3s from EMD to match them for horsepower. They could pull anything the diesels or steam locos brought to them at Skykomish or Wenatchee.
All around, everything considered, you have to go with the GG1.
Built for the ages, with a fantastic capacity for overload. Tremendous adhesion (didn’t the prototype accelerate from 0 to 100 MPH with one coach repeatedly in an average time of 62 seconds?) (I’d have loved to be in that coach . . .)
At the risk of being branded a heretic, I will cast a vote for the E44/E44a. It was an excellent rectifier locomotive that moved the freight for three diffferent owners. Its retirement was more the result of changing traffic patterns than poor design.
Even without allowing for the date of the technology (1920s)
The GG-1. No question.
Some of the more modern electrics with modern technology may perhaps come close, all around, but…
I’ve also heard of the test that OldTimer refers to, but not been able to verify it – but if it’s true, I sure wish I’d been on board!!!
Power and speed? over 9,000 horsepower, short term (5 minute rating, traction motor limitation); overload power – who knows, limited by the voltage drop under load in the catenary more than anything. Not only could they handle a train of 20 heavyweight pullmans at 100 mph – and routinely did; it’s in the schedules – they could accelerate that same train out of the Hudson River tubes to full speed in about 3 miles.
Since I used to run them, I admit to bias here. Definately the GG-1. Definately. lol That is, as an all-around best. Now if you have to maintain slower freight speeds on lots of grades and curves, for tractive effort there you need the E-33! The GG-1’s could be drafty, noisy, cold, would frequently trip relays and have to be reset but; with 64 throttle notches to click through…fun, fun, fun! [:D]