EL-C and GG1

History

The GE E33 was originally built for the Virginian Railway in 1955 as the Virginian EL-C. After the Virginia Railway merged with the Norfolk & Western, the locomotives were reclassified as EF-4s. The New Haven Railroad then purchased several of them.

Technology

The GE E33 was the first successful production locomotive to use Ignitron (mercury arc) rectifier technology.

Production

Due to the limited number of electrified railroads and the development of improved electric locomotive technology, no more EL-Cs were built.

Model trains

Lionel produced model trains of the GE E33, including the O gauge No. 153.

Features

A model train version of the GE E33 may include features like:

ABS body

Metal body side grilles

Lighted cab interior

Illuminated number boards

Mechanically operating pantographs

Catenary/track power selector switch

Onboard DCC receiver Design

The GG1 was designed by General Electric in the 1930s to replace the P5a, the railroad's standard electric locomotive at the time. The GG1 was based on the New Haven EP3 and featured a center cab design for safety and visibility.

Performance

The GG1 was capable of pulling trains of 12–25 cars at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. It was powered by 11,000 volt alternating current from overhead wires and had a total horsepower of 4,602, with a peak rating of 9,300.

Appearance

The GG1's body was designed by Raymond Loewy, who also created products for IBM, Coca-Cola, and Shell Oil. The GG1 was painted Brunswick green with gold pinstripes, nicknamed "cat's whiskers".

History

The GG1 was used to pull passenger trains on the Northeast Corridor from the 1930s to the 1970s. The last GG1s were retired in 1983, and 16 remain in museums today. One of the best preserved GG1s is PRR 4903, which is located at the Age of Steam Museum in Dallas.

Other facts

The GG1's frame was in two halves joined by a ball joint, which allowed the locomotive to negotiate sharper curves. The GG1 was equipped with a Leslie A200 horn.

Virginian EL-C