Southern Pacific Class GS-4

Southern Pacific Class GS-4
Southern Pacific 4449, an example of a GS-4.
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Lima Locomotive Works
Build date	April – May 1941, March – April 1942
Total produced	28
Classification	GS-4
Wheel arrangement	4-8-4
Dimensions	110 ft × 10 ft × 16 ft
Rail gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Cylinders	Two, Outside
Fuel type	Coal
Service information
Years in-service	April 1941 – October 1958
Running numbers	4430 – 4457 (serial numbers 7798 – 7817, 7848 – 7855)
Disposition details
Preserved	1 (1 in operational condition)
Number scrapped	27

The Lima-Southern Pacific GS-4 ("GS" meaning for "Golden State" or "General Service") is a type of semi-streamlined 4-8-4 Northern steam locomotive built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1941 and 1942 specifically for the Southern Pacific (SP) Railroad. They were assigned road numbers 4430 through 4457.

SP 4449 in BNSF employee special in 2000

History

The GS-4s were principally employed on SP's famous "Daylight" streamliners from 1941, but in later years they were relegated to commuter and standby freight service. Passenger trains were still the prime mode of transport in the Southwestern US at that time, when most interstates and airports had not yet been fully-established. Railroads such as the SP, UP, ATSF, and WP thus operated high-speed steam and diesel-powered passenger trains throughout Arizona, Texas, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and parts of Wyoming on the vast emptiness between population centers.

As the 1950's progressed, the GS-4s were replaced on the main passenger runs by EMD E Series and ALCO PA Series diesel locomotives, while F Series freight-units were used as "spare units" when they were all first ordered. In 1956, nearly all GS-4 engines had their streamlining removed and were repainted black for commuter service, principally in California. The last revenue passenger train hauled by a GS-4 ran in January 1957. However, 4443 pulled some of the last excursion specials for SP.

Accidents and Incidents

• In the days of steam, Southern Pacific GS-4 No. 4446 had collided with the Lark in a siding at Donner Pass on September 13, 1941.

SP 4449

The only surviving locomotive of this class is the SP 4449. It is arguably one of the most recognizable, famous, and iconic locomotives of all time.

4449 was originally donated to Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon, in 1958; which is where she remained for many years long before operating steam excursions. In December 1974, 4449 was eventually moved from Oaks Park to undergo restoration (overhaul), which green-lit 4449 a chance to haul steam excursions. From August 1975 to December 1976, 4449 began his new career by having shared duties with several other steam locomotives pulling the American Freedom Train throughout the U.S during the bicentennial anniversary celebrations.

4449 is currently still operational. It currently resides at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland along with many other preserved locomotives and rolling stock; aside from occasionally operating steam excursions; aside from having several doubleheader excursions with UP 844 recently in 2007 and 2008 and SP&S 700 in 2003 and 2005.

Specifications

Their 80" driver diameter and 90 square foot firegrate area gave them a top speed of 110 miles per hour, though speed limits rarely exceeded 75 mph.

Trivia

• Leslie A-200-156 Tyfon air-horns were fitted with most of SP's GS Series steam locomotives (as well as the majority of their modern steamer fleet) to be used as "spare" whistles, in case pedestrians weren't able to hear the steam whistles equipped from the outset.
• They were also equipped with Southern Pacific 6-chime and Hancock 3-chime whistles; along with that, No. 4449 has also sported a Hancock 3 chime.
• One of the passenger trains pulled by a Streamlined locomotive was Based of a SP GS-4 from Everyone's Hero (2006).

Locomotive Roster

First Batch in 1941 (4430-4449)

Loco No.	Image	Build date(s)	Retirement date(s)	Restoration date(s)	Status	Notes
4430		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4431		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4432		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4433		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4434		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4435		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4436		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4437		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4438		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4439		April 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4440		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4441		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4442		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4443		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4444		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4445		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4446	https://www.reddit.com/r/trains/comments/18b2aj9/the_coast_mail_oxnard_ca_william_fahey_jr_photo/	May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	Involved in a collision with the Lark in a siding at Donner Pass, repaired, put back into service and was scrapped.
4447		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4448		May 1941	-	-	Scrapped	-
4449		May 20, 1941	October 2, 1957 (revenue service)	April 21, 1975	Operational, based in The City of Portland, Oregon	Currently under ownership of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Second Batch in 1942 (4450-4457)

Loco No.	Image	Build date(s)	Retirement date(s)	Status	Notes
4450		March 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4451		March 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4452		March 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4453		March 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4454		April 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4455		April 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4456		April 1942	-	Scrapped	-
4457		April 1942	-	Scrapped	-

Gallery

• Gallery

External links

• Freedomtrain.org