The first two GP33ECO locomotives, a model previously covered by Trains News Wire, sport a distinctive paint scheme that reflects their environmentally friendly mission and include an outline of the state in green. The locomotives sport flared radiators at the rear, reminiscent of Electro-Motive Division’s SD45 model of the 1960s, but with four-wheel trucks.
Railroad spokesman Robin Chapman tells Trains News Wire there will be 25 units, split with 10 going to Chicago and 15 going to Atlanta. The remaining units will be delivered by the end of the year.
After in-service testing in the Altoona area, the units will be permanently assigned to their respective grant award areas of Chicago and Atlanta. Funding for the locomotive to be used in the Chicago area was awarded by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency, sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Funding for the locomotive to be used in Georgia, on Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta Terminal, was awarded by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.
Dedication ceremonies are planned for the coming months.
