GP39-2 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

EMD introduced the GP39-2 in 1974 as part of its Dash 2 line. The locomotive delivered 2,300 horsepower from a turbocharged 12-cylinder 645E3 engine, giving railroads a more fuel-efficient alternative to the GP38-2 while still providing solid performance.

Between 1974 and 1984, EMD built 239 GP39-2s for railroads in the U.S. and Mexico. Santa Fe, Reading, Union Pacific, Burlington Northern, and Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México all invested in the model. Though its production numbers fell short of other Dash 2 locomotives, the GP39-2 earned a reputation as a reliable, versatile road switcher, and many units continue to serve in rebuilt form today.