my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

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

Southern Pacific GP40X

7200, 7201, 7230, 7231

If your into nitpicky type details, I have a breakdown of the GP40 family and their relevant features.

SP only ever owned 4 of these, although 23 were built, the other examples going to UP, Santa Fe and Southern Rwy. Espee's were delivered with 'Elephant Ears' over the rear radiators, these were a feature to test the Tunnel Motor radiator theory, and were also fitted to some SD45s, later removed. They also came with a brake wheel on the nose, and a matching air duct on the right hand side rear walkway. 7200 and 7201 were delivered as Locotrol Masters, with 7230 and 7231 as Locotrol Receivers or remotes, this equipment was also later removed.

References:

• Railroad Model Craftsman Jan. '81 Page 91 - GP50 Plans, but includes plans of the HTB sideframes as fitted to the Espee GP40X's.
• SP 1987/88 Motive Power Pictorial by Joe.W.Shine, Page 99.
• SP.....into the '90's by Joe.W.Shine, Page 174. Has some photo's of these units.
• SP 1995 Motive Power Annual by Bill Shippen - Four Ways West Publications.
• Southern Pacific Rails - a motive power finale by Peter Limas - has images and data.