Western Railroad Discussion > Vancouver GP39-V

Couple Shot's from Saturday Vancouver Washinton.Up stack train.

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I have not kept up on BNSF motive power development. What are the mechanical/performance distinctives of the "GP39-V" locomotive?

This GP39V is an old GP35 rebuilt internally to a GP39-2. Other carbodies used for the program were GP30's, both high and low hood. The former high hood geeps were rebuilt with newer style cabs and low noses so feature a very distinctive look. Check LocoPhotos.com in the 2800 and 2900 number series for both BN and BNSF and you should find lots of photos.

The "V" stands for the rebuilder, in this case VMV. You might also see "E" and "M" designations. Those are for EMD and MK, both of whom did a lot of the rebuild work for BN. Working from memory, I think these rebuilds were all done in the 1989-1991 time period.