Does anyone know what short lines still employ GP30’s? I have VERY rare video of some high-nose units on the CERA in Kokomo, Indiana.
The Hartwell RR did have a couple of ragged out GP30’s at one time, seems like I heard they sold them though.
Indiana Northeastern:
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I wonder, are the BNSF GP39s that were rebuilt from 30s and 35s going to end up on shortlines? or will they all be scrapped?
I guess it depends on their EPA worthiness.
With the 645 assemblies in them, the BNSF GP30M/“GP39’s” will be around for quite a while, especially in the tight radius backtracks. They go places where the SD40-3’s / C30-7R’s wouldn’t dare.
Add to the list:
Cimarron Valley RR’s herd of ex-DRGW GP30’s
NKC Railnets’ red GP30’s plus the WATCO leaser.
Rock & Rail (RRRR)
I’m not 100% sure, but I thought I’d read that the CFR 1033 part cannot be applied to a 567 block with 645 assemblies. That would limit their lifespan.
I believe BNSF has been slowly purging these units from the roster. Starting with the ex Santa Fe units that were rebuilt earlier.
Shortlines are not subject to the same restrictions as the Class I railroads.
On the subject of GP-30s, are any high nose GP-30s still operating?
Tim
They aren’t? I thought the regulations were based on locomotive not owner.
Cincinnati Railway (CNRY)has 2 (two) GP30s. NKP 901(formerly CNRY 85, formerly I&O 85 and orginaly NKP 901). It has been returned to it’s NKP paint scheme and is blue carded NKP 901. A seconed GP 30 (former Great Miami RY 30,formerly NKP 902)is now being returned to service. Both are low nose units.
Last time I visited the New Hope & Ivyland in New Hope, PA they were still making use of their ex-PRR GP30 #2198.
Carolina Southern, which runs from Mullins, SC almost to Myrtle Beach, SC by way of Whiteville,NC has an ex Southern high nose GP-30 still in VERY faded Southern paint. When they shut down last year to repair their track and bridges, it was still running. I have been assured by their general manager, that the railroad will resume operation, maybe this year, but whether the GP-30 will still be usable, I don’t know.
Very nice, thank you for the link, they have quite the collection of vintage EMDs. The GP-30 looks well taken care of in the photos. They are a rare beast.
Tim
Heritage Railroad in Oak Ridge, TN has one each if a short hood and high hood GP30 operating daily. The Soutern Appalachia Railway Musuem uses the GP30s on its excursion runs. The SARM has videos on the units in action online.