Southern Railway

Second Generation Road Switchers


gp30_cover

collection

example1 example2 example3

JCH

gen2_cover1998

from TIES magazine
— Sep-Oct 1998 / collection

advert_emd

from The Birmingham News
newspaper - Nov 1961 / collection

tag_info

Our Southern second generation road switcher scrapbook below is in no way comprehensive, but instead offers a sampling of our favorite models and collected materials.

GP30

Southern #2525-2644

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP30
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1961-63
  • series:906 produced, 120 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 567D3 (16 cyls. 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • only SOU and Norfolk & Western ordered high noses; SOU units short hood forward
    to Norfolk Southern #2525-2643
    all retired by NS by 1991
  • builder
    gp30_drawing
    sou2533_clipping

    from TIES magazine
    — Sep-Oct 2006 / collection

    gp30_cover2006

    from TIES magazine
    — Sep-Oct 2006 / collection

    gp30_clipping1

    from TIES magazine
    — Sep-Oct 2006 / collection

    gp30_clipping2

    from TIES magazine
    — Sep-Oct 2006 / collection

    GP35

    Southern #2645-2715
    Central of Georgia #240-244

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP35
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1963-66
  • series:1250 produced, 75 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 567D3A (16 cyls. 2500 hp)
  • notes:
  • most SOU units rode on AAR type B trucks
    to Norfolk Southern #240-244 and #2645-2715 at merger
    all retired by NS by 1991
  • builder
    gp35_drawing
    gp35_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    tag_closeup End of the Line

    journal_rwh

    In my decade living and chasing trains in western Pennsylvania, a frequent haunt across the border near Youngstown, Ohio, was Larry's Truck & Electric. Many railfans in the region know the place as an active rebuilder of first and second generation motive power, as well as a veritable graveyard of locomotives. During a 2010 visit to the place, snow on the ground, my "Southern Serves the South" heart broke just a bit to find a half dozen Geep 35s being cut up for scrap. Long hoods were gone and many internal parts already scavenged, but there was no mistaking those high short hoods, peak-mounted bells, and what remained of the Southern tuxedo stripe. I thought it was intriguing that #2645 was first in the salvage line, as she was likewise first on the Southern's large GP35 roster — assuming you don't count the 5 inherited Central of Georgia units that kept their low numbers in the 200 series. So long, Thirty-Fives. Look Ahead. Look South.

    tag_jump

    See also our Larry's Truck & Electric scrapbook in Industrials

    GP38 series

    Southern #2716-2822
    2879-2886

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38
  • type:B-B Road Switcher
  • built:1966-71
  • series:466 produced, 113 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyls. 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • 1 from Tennessee Alabama Georgia
    7 from original Norfolk Southern
    to new Norfolk Southern #2717-2886
    all retired from NS
  • builder
    gp38_drawing
    gp38_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    Southern #2823-2878

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38AC
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1970-71
  • series:261 produced, 56 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • GP38 specs with AR10 AC alternator
    to Norfolk Southern #2823-2878
    all retired by NS
  • builder
    gp38ac_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    Southern #5000-5256

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1972-1986
  • series:2213 produced, 257 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • all built new for Southern
    to Norfolk Southern #5000-5256
    154 retired by NS
    103 still in service as of 2020
  • builder
    gp38-2_drawing
    gp38-2_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    103 ex-Southern GP38-2 units remain on the Norfolk Southern roster as of 2020. 60 of them retain their high short hood; 43 of them, such as #5144 above, have been rebuilt with new cabs and chopped short hoods.

    GP50

    Southern #7003-7092

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP50
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1980-85
  • series:278 produced, 90 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 645F3B (16 cyl, 3500 hp)
  • notes:
  • to Norfolk Southern #7003-7092
    all retired by NS
  • builder
    gp50_drawing
    gp50_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    ns7035d ns7035e ns7035f

    Meridian, Ms / Jan 1989 / RWH

    SD35

    Southern #2990-3099

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:SD35
  • type:C-C road power
  • built:1964-66
  • series:360 produced, 110 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 567D3A (16 cyls. 2500 hp)
  • notes:
  • to Norfolk Southern #2990-3099
    all retired by NS by 1986
  • builder
    sd35_drawing

    SD40 series

    Southern #3170-3200

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:SD40
  • type:C-C road power
  • built:1966-72
  • series:1286 produced, 31 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 645E3 (16 cyl, 3000 hp)
  • notes:
  • to Norfolk Southern #3170-3200
    all retired by NS except #3170 to TVRM
  • builder
    sd40_drawing
    sd40_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    Southern #3201-3328

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:SD40-2
  • type:C-C road power
  • built:1972-1989
  • series:4175 produced, 128 for Southern
  • engine:EMD 645E3 (16 cyl, 3000 hp)
  • notes:
  • to Norfolk Southern #3201-3328
    40 retired by NS
    87 still in service as of 2020
  • builder
    sd40-2_drawing
    sd40-2_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    tag_clipArticle

    sd40-2_cover sd40-2_article1

    from TIES magazine
    — Mar-Apr 2004 / collection

    sd40-2_article2
    sd40-2_article3
    sd40-2_article4

    This article by John C. Hawkins originally appeared in TIES magazine, a publication of the Southern Railway Historical Association. Posted here with permission.

    All ex-Southern SD40-2 road units in series #3201-3328, such as #3265 and #3285 above, have been rebuilt by Norfolk Southern with new cabs and chopped short hoods.

    U23B

    Southern #3900-3969

  • builder:General Electric
  • model:U23B
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1968-1977
  • series:481 produced, 70 for Southern
  • engine:GE 7FDL-12 (12 cyl, 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • early units rode AAR type B trucks
    to Norfolk Southern 3900-3969
    all retired by NS by 1996
  • builder
    u23b_drawing

    B30-7A1

    Southern #3500-3521

  • builder:General Electric
  • model:B30-7A1
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:1977-1983
  • series:396 produced, 22 for Southern
  • engine:GE FDL-16 (16 cyls, 3000 hp)
  • notes:
  • to Norfolk Southern #3500-3521
    all retired by NS
  • builder
    b30_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    - Paul K. Withers - 1997 / collection

    tag_closeup Second Acts

    tag_info

    Southern Railway road switchers in our collection that went on to other railroads in retirement

    Georgia Central #2069

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Sep 1969, EMD #35258
  • series:706 produced 1966-71
  • engine:EMD 645 (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern #2728, high nose
    to Chattahoochee & Gulf #2728
    to Three Notch #2728
    to Georgia Central #2069
  • builder

    Georgia Central #2137

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Mar 1972, EMD #7362-19
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern #5028, high nose
    to Norfolk Southern #5028
    to Georgia Central #2137
  • builder

    Georgia Central #2138

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Mar 1972, EMD #7362-22
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern #5031, high nose
    to Norfolk Southern #5031
    to Georgia Central #2138
  • builder

    Georgia Central #3910

  • builder:General Electric
  • model:U23B
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:May 1973, GE #39220
  • series:481 produced 1968-77
  • engine:GE 7FDL-12 (12 cyl, 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #3910
    sub-lettered Central of Georgia
    to Norfolk Southern #3910
    to Georgia Central #3910
    scrapped
  • builder

    Georgia Central #3959

  • builder:General Electric
  • model:U23B
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Dec 1976, GE #41512
  • series:481 produced 1968-77
  • engine:GE 7FDL-12 (12 cyl, 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #3959
    to Norfolk Southern #3959
    to Georgia Central #3959
  • builder

    Georgia Central #3968

  • builder:General Electric
  • model:U23B
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Feb 1977, GE #41521
  • series:481 produced 1968-77
  • engine:GE 7FDL-12 (12 cyl, 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #3968
    to Norfolk Southern #3968
    to Georgia Central #3968
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our complete Georgia Central Railway scrapbook in Shortlines

    Heart of Georgia #2124

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Aug 1973, EMD #72745-5
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #5063, high nose
    to Norfolk Southern #5063
    to Heart of Georgia #2124
  • builder

    Heart of Georgia #2125

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Aug 1973, EMD #72745-7
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Rwy #5065, high nose
    to Norfolk & Western #5056
    to Norfolk Southern #5056
    to Heart of Georgia #2125
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our Heart of Georgia Railroad scrapbook in Shortlines

    Hartwell #5130

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Feb 1974, EMD #73752-23
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #5130
    to Norfolk Southern #5130
    to Hartwell #5130
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our Hartwell Railroad scrapbook in Shortlines

    Ohi-Rail #5032

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Mar 1972, EMD #7362-23
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #5032
    to Norfolk Southern #5032
    to Ohi-Rail Corporation #5032
  • builder

    Ohi-Rail #5045

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Mar 1972, EMD #7362-36
  • series:2222 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #5045
    to Norfolk Southern #5045
    to Ohi-Rail Corporation #5045
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our Ohi-Rail Corporation scrapbook in Shortlines

    tag_spotSurvivors

    tag_info

    Southern Railway road switchers in our collection preserved on display or in operation at museums

    Southern Railway #2601

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP30
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Oct 1963, EMD #27571
  • series:906 produced (120 for Southern)
  • engine:EMD 567D3, 16 cyls. 2250 hp
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #2601
    to Norfolk Southern #2601, retired 1991
    to NC Transportation Museum, 1992
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our complete North Carolina Transportation Museum scrapbook in Preservation

    Walden's Ridge #2608

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP30
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Oct 1963, EMD #28578
  • series:948 produced 1961-63
  • engine:EMD 567D3 (16 cyl, 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #2608
    to Central of Indiana #2252
    to Walden's Ridge #2608
    to Southern Appalachia Railway Museum
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our Southern Appalachia Railway Museum scrapbook in Preservation

    Savannah & Atlanta #2715

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP35
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Jan 1965, EMD #30054
  • series:1334 produced 1963-66
  • engine:EMD 567D3A (16 cyl, 2500 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Savannah & Atlanta #2715
    to Central of Georgia #2715
    to Southern Railway #2715
    to Georgia State Railroad Museum
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our Georgia State Railroad Museum scrapbook in Preservation

    Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia #80

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Feb 1968, EMD #33802
  • series:706 produced 1966-71
  • engine:EMD 645 (16 cyl, 3000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia #1
    to Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia #80
    to Southern Railway #2879
    to Norfolk Southern #28879
    to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
    operational, in service
  • builder
    sou2879_clipping

    from Diesels of the Southern Railway 1939-1982
    — Paul K. Withers / collection

    tag_jump

    See also our complete Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum diesel scrapbook in Preservation

    Southern Railway #2594

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP30
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Oct 1963, EMD #28564
  • series:948 produced 1961-63
  • engine:EMD 567D3 (16 cyl, 2250 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #2594
    to Norfolk Southern #2594
    to Southeastern Railway Museum
    at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our complete Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum diesel scrapbook in Preservation

    #3170

    Southern Railway #3170

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:SD40
  • type:C-C road power
  • built:Apr 1971, EMD #37355
  • series:1286 produced 1966-72
  • engine:EMD 645E3 (16 cyl, 3000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #3170
    to Norfolk Southern #3170
    to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
  • builder
    tag_jump

    See also our complete Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum diesel scrapbook in Preservation

    #5000

    Southern Railway #5000

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Jan 1972, EMD #5809-1
  • series:2213 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #5000 (class unit)
    to Norfolk Southern #5000
    to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
  • builder
    sou5000_clipping

    from Southern: A Motive Power Pictorial 1968-1982
    — Paul Withers & Tom Sink / collection

    sou5000f1 sou5000f2 sou5000f3 sou5000f4 sou5000f5 sou5000f6

    Aug 2021 / RWH

    tag_jump

    See also our complete Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum diesel scrapbook in Preservation

    #5044

    Tennessee Valley #5044

  • builder:Electro Motive Division
  • model:GP38-2
  • type:B-B road switcher
  • built:Mar 1972, EMD #7362-35
  • series:2213 produced 1972-86
  • engine:EMD 645E (16 cyl, 2000 hp)
  • notes:
  • blt Southern Railway #5044
    to Norfolk Southern #5044
    to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
  • builder
    tvrm5044l1 tvrm5044l2 tvrm5044l3 tvrm5044l4 tvrm5044l5 tvrm5044l6

    Jun 2019 / RWH

    tag_jump

    See also our complete Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum diesel scrapbook in Preservation


    Links / Sources

    The diesel locomotive diagrams included on this page are from SOUTHERN: A Motive Power Pictorial - Paul K. Withers - 1987 / collection


    tag_lantern back to top
    This page was updated on 2022-11-25