Southern Pacific 4459 is the one of the only two experimental GS-4 locomotives assigned as GS-5 class, the most notable difference is the rollerbearings. It was built in June 1942 then it was retired in 1958 and scrapped afterrwards later in same year.
About the Engine[]
No. 4459 used SKF brand roller bearings. It had a silver smokebox with a dual-headlight casing (the top headlight was a mars light), and an enclosed, all-weather cab just like its twin4458. 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. It received the orange and red "Daylight" paint scheme like many others do. 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 the Sunset Limited. In later years they were painted black and had their side skirting removed for easier maintenance. The GS-5s were considered the pinnacle of the GS series and ended their careers on Southern Pacific's San Joaquin Valley line, pulling the ever popular San Joaquin Daylight until late 1956.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- This is the last streamlined locomotives to have dual headlights.