Look at this EMD engine!

Trains Magazine Locomotives
1

Look at this engine!

http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=70653

It has the brakes of a GP60, the carbody style of a GP35+ series and the fuel tank and air reservoirs of a GP7/9. This is EMD’s BL20, which was another attempt by EMD in the late 80s to reenter the road switcher rebuild market. Only 3 were built from Ex-BN first generation geeps. This loco wasn’t exactly a runaway success. At least they’re still on someone’s roster. I heard EMD decided to keep the 567s in these engines and reconditioned them, not exactly a wise option when everyone else were installing 645s in other rebuilds. Earlier in the late 70s and early 80s, EMD offered the GP15 series, which supposedly reused components from first generation geeps, and had a 12 cylinder or 8 cylinder turbocharged 645 to boot!

2

I would say it has the brakes of a GP60, the carbody of a GP60, and the fuel tank and air reservoirs of a BL20.

Totally not seeing the GP35+ series…its nothing like a GP35 carbody…its much more modern, like a GP50 or GP60

Scot

3

If I remember correctly, they are actually called BL20-2s. They were rebuilt from GP9s.

4

I believe that two of the BL20-2 are in service on the San Joquin Valley Railroad. I have seen one go by Hanford’s Super Walmart.

5

All three are owned by railink and working in California.

6

I like it. Very good-looking. Doesn’t that shroud under the left air intake mean it’s turbocharged? Probably a strong little guy.

7

1992 Birmingham , Al

8

If you want one for yourself, Erik Bergstrom had a article in the March 1997 MR on how to kitbash one.

Dan