HO GP7, BAR #68

HO GP7, BAR #68 Overview

BAR was an early supporter of EMD's road switcher concept, purchasing 12 GP7s in late 1949 and another 4 in 1952. Starting in the early 1960s, the units were repainted in a simplified solid blue scheme. The former BAR 73 was selected in 1975 to receive a colorful scheme of red, white, and blue to commemorate the nation's Bicentennial. The unit carried the name Jeremiah O'Brien, a Maine patriot, and a new number, 1776. The BAR GP7s were true travelers, being leased to the PRR starting in 1951 to assist with summer ore traffic, an agreement which lasted through the Penn Central era. They were also leased to the LV and LIRR to assist with power shortages on those roads.

In 1949, EMD introduced the GP7. The basic design followed most diesel switchers with the addition of a short hood instead of an end-cab. The hoods were also full height to better accommodate the diesel engine and mechanical and electrical components.

In 1954 EMD upgraded the GP7 to become the 1,750 horsepower GP9. Externally, the first GP9s were virtually unchanged from the last GP7s. Later versions would include different louver arrangements and the last ones would come without the frame skirting. The GP9 was available with all of the fuel tank, steam generator, and dynamic brake options as the GP7, including “torpedo tube” air tanks mounted on the roof.

Many railroads chose to rebuild their GP7s and GP9s for continued service. Often times, it was cheaper to do this rather than purchasing brand-new locomotives.