Southern Pacific class GS-5

The GS-5 was a class of streamlined 4-8-4 "Northern" type steam locomotive operated by the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) from 1942 to 1958. A total of two were built by the Lima Locomotive Works, numbered 4458 and 4459. GS stands for "Golden State" or "General Service."

Southern Pacific GS-5
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderLima Locomotive Works
Serial number7856, 7857
Build dateMay–June 1942
Total produced2
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte4-8-4
 • UIC2′D2′ h2
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading dia.36 in (914 mm)
Driver dia.80 in (2,032 mm)
Trailing dia.45+1⁄2 in (1,156 mm)
Axle load69,600 lb (31,570.0 kilograms; 31.6 metric tons)
Adhesive weight278,700 lb (126,400 kg; 126.4 t)
Loco weight483,200 lb (219,200 kg; 219.2 t)
Total weight882,800 lb (400,400 kg; 400.4 t)
Fuel typeFuel oil
Fuel capacity5,880 US gal (22,300 L; 4,900 imp gal)
Water cap.23,500 US gal (89,000 L; 19,600 imp gal)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		388 sq ft (36.0 m2)
Boiler pressure300 psi (2.07 MPa)
Heating surface4,890 sq ft (454 m2)
Superheater:
​
 • Heating area1,834 sq ft (170.4 m2)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size25+1⁄2 in × 32 in (648 mm × 813 mm)
Valve gearWalschaerts
Performance figures
Tractive effortEngine: 64,800 lbf (288.24 kN)
Booster: 13,850 lbf (61.61 kN)
Total:78,650 lbf (349.85 kN)
Career
OperatorsSouthern Pacific
ClassGS-5
Numbers4458, 4459
First runJune 1942
Retired1958
DispositionBoth scrapped

History

The GS-5s were identical in appearance to the GS-4s, the only difference being the roller bearings that gave the locomotive a smoother ride and added weight. No. 4458 had roller bearings from the Timken Company and No. 4459 used SKF brand roller bearings. They had a silver smokebox with a dual-headlight casing (the top headlight was a mars light), and an enclosed, all-weather cab. 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. They received the orange and red "Daylight" paint scheme. 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.

The roller bearings on the two GS-5s were so successful that when both No. 4458 and No. 4459 were scrapped, they were examined and showed minimal wear.

Preservation

Neither of the two GS-5s survive after running well over a million miles. However, surviving GS-4 No. 4449 was equipped with roller bearings on the lead truck, trailing truck, and tender (but not the main axles or rods) in 2008, and therefore shares some of the same characteristics as a GS-5.

References
  • Church, Robert J. (2004). Southern Pacific Daylight Locomotives (1st ed.). Signature Press. ISBN 1-930013-11-6.
  • Diebert, Timothy S. & Strapac, Joseph A. (1987). Southern Pacific Company Steam Locomotive Conpendium. Shade Tree Books. ISBN 0-930742-12-5.
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