HO GP9 Locomotive, MILW #316 Overview
Milwaukee Road received their last and largest order of 52 GP9's, #'s 280-331, in the spring and summer of 1959. This batch of GP9's was initially assigned to priority transcontinental freight service but they were bumped to less glamorous work when higher horsepower units arrived on the system. Number 297 models the Milwaukee's âBillboardâ paint scheme.
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 âtorpedo tubeâ 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.