With plans to electrify it's 2,800 track miles, the Pennsylvania Railroad required a reliable heavy duty electric express passenger locomotive to operate 830 daily passenger services - something that could haul minimum 12-14 car trains without the need for double-heading.
Inspired by the success of the box-cab E3A of the nearby New Haven railroad, PRR assessed contenders for the prototype, opting for AC 15,000V 25Hz fed by overhead catenary, with which it had already had some experience on Philadelphia metro services.
A 2Co+Co2 wheel arrangement, was considered to track most effectively.
The prototype was given the attention of industrial designer Raymond Loewey, who was responsible for the design of streamlined cladding for several of the world's most stylish drafts, including the shark-nosed T1 duplex, also of the PRR.
The center cab was intended to increase safety of the crew, after horrific past experiences with level crossings. The articulated frame enabled the long units to negotiate tight curves.
Designed primarily as a passenger loco, and hence fitted with a steam boiler for passenger car heating; the GG1 or 'G' was also adept at handling freight. In the later years, with newer power taking over it's duties on passenger services, many Gs were regeared for freight service.
With the demise of the PRR's short lived successor - Penn Central, most Gs went to Conrail; 40 units were transferred to Amtrak, and 13 to New Jersey transit.
With regard to horsepower and reliability, the G is considered to have been among the most successful American locomotives. The G's formidable rating in Railroad Tycoon 2 is testimony.
The Gs were finally displaced by the E44 and E60 type locomotives.
Interestingly, 4876 crashed onto the concourse of Washington DC Union station, and subsequently dropped through to the basement, from whence it was cut into pieces, rebuilt, and returned to revenue service.
This is a model of the first batch of 58 that had fabricated pilots without the drop-coupler.
Model: GG1
Year: 1935-1943
Power Supply: AC 11000V 25Hz to 12 x 385hp motors - 2/axle
Horsepower: 4630
Continuous Tractive Effort: 70,700 lbs (314kN)
Driving Wheel Diameter: 57'
Length: 79'6 (24.231m)
Weight: 447,000 lb
Gear Ratio Passenger: 24:77
Gear Ratio Freight: 24:79
Тип: traincar