In an earlier thread, GP20 on the EWG ... Date: 04-15-2011 - 19:36 "sss" wondered if I had any recordings of GP7 1617 with it's 16-567B diesel engine working hard. Yesterday proved a good opportunity as I had SD45 8924 and GP7 1617, both running long hood forward, on a 29 car loaded grain train. I put my recorder on the nose of the 8924 aimed at the 1617. Results were mixed. Listen and judge for yourself.

1) Both units tackle 2-mile Deep Creek grade. I was surprised at how well they did and I even had to throttle back some to keep from speeding! At higher throttle settings the GP7 can be heard roaring away.

8924 & 1617 tackle Deep Creek hill

2) In this recording we are passing through the town of Medical Lake. There is a short pull just after the second grade crossing. At 2min 32sec into the recording the SD45 was isolated so that the geep may be heard better.

8924 and 1617 pass through Medical Lake WA

3) Another short but stiff pull with the SD45 isolated. Lots of good 567B sounds here.

1617 working hard

I felt a little guilty pushing the old girl (Dec 1953, 57 years old) so hard here (slipping badly) so I put the 8924 back online.

Sequel to the story. We knew that we were low on fuel. When we got to Cheney the 8924's fuel gauge showed nothing and 1617 showed about 300 gallons. Just as we got to the house track to tie up the power, 8924 ran out of fuel and died! Fortunately 1617 was still running. Talk about timing it close!