Southern Pacific class GS-5
| Southern Pacific GS-5 | |
|---|---|
| Type and origin | |
| Power type | Steam |
| Builder | Lima Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 7856, 7857 |
| Build date | May–June 1942 |
| Total produced | 2 |
| Specifications | |
| Configuration | 4-8-4 |
| UIC classification | 2′D2′ h2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 80 in (2,032 mm) |
| Axle load | 69,600 lb (31.6 tonnes) |
| Weight on drivers | 278,700 lb (126.4 tonnes) |
| Locomotive weight | 483,200 lb (219.2 tonnes) |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 796,930 lb (361.5 tonnes) |
| Fuel type | Fuel oil |
| Fuel capacity | 6,275 US gal (23,750 l; 5,225 imp gal) |
| Water capacity | 23,300 US gal (88,000 l; 19,400 imp gal) |
| Boiler pressure | 300 psi (2.07 MPa) |
| Firegrate area | 388 sq ft (36.0 m2) |
| Heating surface: – Total | 4,890 sq ft (454 m2) |
| Superheater area | 1,834 sq ft (170.4 m2) |
| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Cylinder size | 25 1⁄2 in (648 mm) |
| Valve gear | Walschaerts |
| Performance figures | |
| Tractive effort | 64,800 lbf (288.24 kN), 78,000 lbf (346.96 kN) with booster |
| Career | |
| Operator(s) | Southern Pacific |
| Class | GS-5 |
| Number(s) | 4458, 4459 |
| First run | June 1942 |
| Retired | 1958 |
| Disposition | Both scrapped |
The GS-5 was a streamlined 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive that served the Southern Pacific Company from 1942 to 1958. Two locomotives were built by the Lima Locomotive Works and were numbered 4458 and 4459. GS stands for "Golden State" or "General Service."
The GS-5s are identical in appearance to the GS-4s, the only difference being the roller bearings that gave the locomotive a smoother ride and added weight. 4458 had roller bearings from the Timken Company and 4459 used SKF brand roller bearings. They had a silver smokebox with a dual-headlight casing (top headlight was a mars light), and an enclosed, all-weather cab. It retained the skyline casing on the top of the boiler, skirting on the sides, an air horn (for use at speeds due to being louder than the whistle which was rarely if ever used on the main line) and teardrop classification lights. They received the orange and red "Daylight" paint scheme. The GS-5's were designed for high-speed passenger service on Southern Pacific's premier passenger trains, the Coast Daylight, San Joaquin Daylight and Sunset Limited. In later years they were painted black and had their side skirting removed for easier maintenance. The GS-5s were considered the best of the GS series and ended their careers on Southern Pacific's San Joaquin Valley line.
Neither of the two GS-5s survives, however, GS-4 4449 was equipped with roller bearings in 2008 and therefore shares the same characteristics as a GS-5 but is still considered a GS-4.
References
- Diebert, Timothy S. and Strapac, Joseph A. (1987). Southern Pacific Company Steam Locomotive Conpendium. Shade Tree Books. ISBN 0-930742-12-5.
External links
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