EMD GP9 at a glance
| Builder | General Motors EMD / GMD |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,750 hp |
| Prime mover | EMD 16-567C |
| Wheel arrangement | B-B |
| Axles | 4 powered axles |
| Production era | 1954–1963 |
| Length | About 56 ft |
| Typical role | Road-switching, local freight, branch-line and later short-line service |
A diesel-era workhorse
The GP9 followed EMD's successful GP7 and gave railroads a versatile locomotive that could handle road freight, local work and switching.
How to identify it
A GP9 has two two-axle Blomberg-style trucks and the long-hood/short-hood layout of EMD's early GP road-switchers. Rebuilds and chopped noses can make identification difficult.
What GP means
GP stands for General Purpose. Unlike streamlined F units, GP locomotives were designed for visibility and access that made them practical for both road and switching assignments.
Why so many lasted
The simple 567-series engine and practical four-axle layout made GP9s attractive candidates for rebuilding. Some remained in industrial, regional or tourist service decades after construction.
Ask about the EMD GP9
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