Locomotives
Reading Company, EMD GP7, Class RS3, #621
Background & History
In the early 1950s the Reading Company was placing orders for new diesel-electric locomotives with various builders to expedite the retirement of steam locomotive operations. Orders were first placed with Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton for 1600 HP road switchers (AS16s) and Alco RS3s which also boasted 1600 HP. In 1952 an order was placed with EMD for 15 1500 HP GP7s.
Nine units were equipped for freight service while the remainder were equipped for dual service with steam generators for passenger operations. The units were well received, and the Reading Company placed another order in May 1953 for 16 more freight GP7s, including 621. Another 12 GP7s came in October 1953 equipped with 1600 gallons fuel tanks for longer distance freight service. All freight units were equipped with dynamic brakes. In 1963, the Reading Company ceased operating Rail Postal Service which was financially supporting low ridership services throughout the system. When passenger service was reduced, the passenger equipped GP7s were converted for local freight service since they were not dynamic brake equipped.
Reading GP7 following its restoration paint job in 2018 at the Reading Railroad Heritage.
Photo courtesy of Richard Johnston
Ex-Reading 621 was renumbered to 1506 while on MA & PA Railroad.
Photo courtesy of Tim Weidner
The 44 GP7s were well liked by train crews and in 1966, during their overhauls, began to exit the ships in the second-generation paint scheme of Green & Yellow. Ten units received the new colors with some variations. The fleet remained mostly intact until 1974 when 24 units were sold into the second-hand market after the Reading Company had receive newer EMD units. Unit 621 was sold to the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad (MA & PA) in 1976, along with an NW2 EMD switcher.
Many of the other units were purchased by the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and rebuilt into more modern GP8 units with one receiving a new cab and designated a GP11. The balance of the GP7s not sold off were absorbed by Conrail with some having been stored out of service for some time. Conrail started a rebuilding program for GP7 and GP9 locomotives it inherited from the bankrupt railroads. Unit 662, which was stored at Reading, PA for some time on freight car trucks was rebuilt and released in fresh Conrail Blue paint as its 5839.
Unit 621 soldiered on providing reliable service to the MA & PA. The Emons Group acquired the small railroad and introduced newer motive power. The unit was acquired by the East Penn Railroad but not restored to active service. In 1997 it was acquired by the RCT&HS and placed on prominent display at the Society’s museum in Hamburg after a full repaint.
EMD GP7 #641 Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
Electro-Motive Division
General Motors
LaGrange, IL
Date Built:
May 1953
Builder’s #:
18421
Engine:
Model 567B
2-stroke diesel
16 cylinder (Vee)
Horsepower:
1500
Top Speed:
65 mph
Weight:
246,400 lbs.
Continuous Tractive Effort:
40,000 lbs @ 11 mph
Length:
56’2″
Fuel:
800 gallons
Lube Oil:
200 gallons
Water:
230 gallons
Aspiration:
Roots blower
Bore x Stroke:
8.5″ x 10″
Displacement:
9072 c.i.
Idle Speed:
275 rpm
Transmission:
DC generator, DC traction motors
Brake System:
24 RL Air and dynamic