| Ex-Norfolk Southern GP49 #4603, nee Southern GP39X demonstrator #4603 (EMD 11/1980). NS had the 6 GP39X locomotives upgraded to GP49 specs in 1982. The 12 cylinder 645F3B prime mover developed 2800HP but the engines were considered sluggish accelerating even a light train. Only 9 production GP49s were built, all for the Alaska RR. The main external difference between the GP49 & GP50 is 2 vs. 3 cooling fans respectively. NS retired them in 2001 and Mid America Car installed HEP and derated them to 2400HP, chopped down the high nose and sold all 6 to Tri Rail in 2006 where they are now designated GP49H-3. |