Let’s take a new look at some old Geeps.

            Hard to believe that our old General Purpose diesel, Model 9, is a child of 1954.  It’s hard to believe that the whole concept of using one machine to do two jobs, (main line running as well as yard service) was ever a fresh new concept.   Over 4000 units later it’s still a pretty good idea.  And even though it may have received a face lift or two over the years, General Motor’s 16 cylinder 1750 HP ugly duckling is still doing it all very well thank you.

            So ok.  You have that plain vanilla GP9 out of the box?  If you’re a CN guy you always add dynamic braking.  You also add unique spark arrestors and a winterization hatch.  The bell hangs out over the headlight on the long hood.  A three-chime horn set sits high on the roof of the long hood (F) right in front of the cab. Of course there were large and small fuel tanks and some of the early models had a single large ‘steam era’ headlight but all in all a GP9 was a GP9 and very easy to spot on any railroad.  It’s one of my favourate engines and ½ of my WV fleet are ‘geeps’