my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Southern Pacific GE 70-Tonner

SP 5100 - 5120

21 units delivered

The 21 SP 70 tonner's were delivered between 1949 and 1955, and retained their as delivered numbers, during the 1965 renumbering. Although there were 3 distinct phases of 70 tonners, SP's units were all Phase II's. As many as 4 units worked on the San Diego and Arizona Eastern, and received sub-lettering for such.

Louver details on the hood doors vary between the earlier and later units, the later units having louvers all the same size. Numberboards as per the SW1200 were also found on all units, the position varied, in the early years they were placed right at the front of the hood. Later SP fitted a grille walkway over the front radiator opening, the numberboards were then moved to the front of the cab. Most early photo's also show rerailing frogs mounted each side over the front truck. The early units were delivered with round headlights, but were upgraded to twin sealed beams as per the Bachmann model.

Note: the following units were MU capable: 5100 - 5109, 5114, 5115, 5119 and 5120.

References:

• Mainline Modeler Jan 1989 page 32 - History, plans and photo's of SP 5116 in Road-switcher Tiger Stripe.
• Extra 2200 South Issue 58, Oct/Nov/Dec 1976 - SP Roster Part V
• Diesel Era Vol 4 No 6, Nov/Dec 1993 - GE 70-Ton Part 1
• Diesel Era Vol 5 No 2, Mar/Apr 1994 - GE 70-Ton Part 2
• Railroad Model Craftsman Feb. 1988 Page 57 - has two good photo's and a discourse on SP 70 tonners.

Additional information supplied by Bruce Conklin, Bryon Morgan and Rob Sarberenyi.