I new at this model railroading.
What’s the difference between GP and EMD engines (DC) types???
EMD stands for Electro Motive Division of General Motors. They are company who makes GP (General Purpose) locomotives. DC is the type of electricity used to run the motors in a locomotive.
So the short answer to your question is that there is no difference between a GP and and EMD. A GP is an EMD.
Diesel-Electric Loco Manufacturers: EMD, Alco, Baldwin, FM, GE, and a few more minor players
EMD types of locos - NW, SW, BL, GP, SD, E, F
Alco types of locos - S, RS, RSC, FA, PA
The GP and SD type locomotives are two of the most common types of General Motors diesel engines, going from 1949 to today. “GP” means General Purpose, and denotes an engine with two two-axle trucks (i.e. 8 wheels in total); “SD” means “Special Duty” and denotes an engine with two three-axle trucks (12 wheels in total). The GP-7 and SD-7 came out in 1949-50, GM is currently up to an SD-90 model.
In recent years some EMD and GE engines have been available where the railroad can choose to buy versions set up to use DC electrical power or AC power. (A “diesel” locomotive is really a “diesel-electric”, the diesel motor(s) are generating electrical power. The motors that turn the wheels of the engine are electric engines.) So for example EMD’s MP-15 road switcher was available as an MP-15AC and an MP-15DC. The difference is more internal than external (that is, they look pretty similar.)
BTW originally it was “EMC” for Electro-Motive Corporation. General Motors bought them in the late thirties and made them GM’s Electro-Motive Division. Recently GM sold them and “EMD” is now a separate company again.
Here’s a list which will help you. This has virtually every type of US diesel locomotive made from 1918 to 1989. Click here.
Thanks for your reply. If I just want to use a GP engine with DC that has basic sound built in like the engine running, etc., again I don’t care about all the decals, etc., what would you recommend?
That is a WHOLE different topic.
In terms of DC and sound, go with any QSI equipped loco (Proto 2000, Early BLI) and you will be in good hands (avoid MRC decoders at ALL costs). To get the most out of these locos (and you will notice their limitations early), you might consider first investing in a DCC system.
David B
Yeah, EMD makes prototype locomotives. If you want models, that’s a whole bunch of different companies.
[#ditto]couldn’t a said it better myself.