Re: WP 4 axle vs. 6 axle
Author: George Andrews
Date: 12-14-2008 - 15:34
It is true that WP ordered new 4 axle EMD's in 1963; by the time EMD assigned production space the GP-30 had been superceded by the GP-35. WP endured the same problems with the GP-35 as other western roads,( ATSF,DRGW,SP/SSW), namely electrical issues. Several published histories all mention GE's low price & generous trade-in policy as factors influencing WP's decision.( Remember that GE "allowed" the U-30B's to be built with Blomberg trucks from FT trade-ins.) No doubt WP's problems with the GP-35's were also a factor.