| Southern Pacific GS-3 |
|---|
 Southern Pacific GS-3 locomotives. |
| Type and origin |
|---|
| Power type |
Steam |
|---|
| Builder |
Lima Locomotive Works |
|---|
| Serial number |
7721–7734 |
|---|
| Build date |
October–December 1937 |
|---|
| Total produced |
14 |
|---|
|
| Specifications |
|---|
Configuration:
|
|
|---|
| • Whyte |
4-8-4 |
|---|
| • UIC |
2′D2′ h2 |
|---|
| Gauge |
4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
|---|
| Driver dia. |
80 in (2,032 mm) |
|---|
| Axle load |
67,000 lb (30,000 kilograms; 30 metric tons) |
|---|
| Adhesive weight |
267,300 lb (121,200 kg; 121.2 t) |
|---|
| Loco weight |
460,000 lb (210,000 kg; 210 t) |
|---|
| Total weight |
818,880 lb (371,440 kg; 371.44 t) |
|---|
| Fuel type |
Fuel oil |
|---|
| Fuel capacity |
6,010 US gal (22,800 l; 5,000 imp gal) |
|---|
| Water cap |
22,000 US gal (83,000 l; 18,000 imp gal) |
|---|
Firebox:
• Firegrate area |
90.4 sq ft (8.40 m2) |
|---|
| Boiler pressure |
280 psi (1.93 MPa) |
|---|
| Heating surface |
4,890 sq ft (454 m2) |
|---|
Superheater:
|
|
|---|
| • Heating area |
2,565 sq ft (238.3 m2) |
|---|
| Cylinders |
Two, outside |
|---|
| Cylinder size |
26 in × 32 in (660 mm × 813 mm) |
|---|
|
|
|
|
|
The GS-3 was a streamlined 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive that served the Southern Pacific Company from 1938 to 1957-1968. They were built by Lima Locomotive Works and were numbered 4416 through 4429. GS stands for "Golden State" (or "General Service" during World War II).
The GS-3 had an appearance similar to the GS-2. The GS-3s were streamlined and designed for high-speed passenger service. Like the GS-2, they featured a silver smokebox with a cone-shaped single headlight casing, skyline casing on the top of the boiler, skirting on the sides, an air horn to supplement the whistle and teardrop classification lights. The only major difference in appearance was the increase in driver size.
They received the orange and red "Daylight" paint scheme. They were primarily used on Southern Pacific's premier passenger train at the time, the Coast Daylight. In later years after being replaced by newer GS class engines, they were painted black, had their side skirting removed for easier maintenance, and were reassigned to the San Jose-San Francisco commuter trains, freight service, and made occasional appearances on the San Joaquin Daylight.
After retirement in 1957, thereafter, all GS-3s were scrapped. However, one wheel from the #4422, the first axle, right side, was rescued just before scrapping by William B. Fletcher. It was donated to the RailGiants Train Museum at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California where it is on display.
References
- Diebert, Timothy S. & Strapac, Joseph A. (1987). Southern Pacific Company Steam Locomotive Conpendium. Shade Tree Books. ISBN 0-930742-12-5.
