Western Railroad Discussion > BNSF GP50/L?

What is the difference between the GP50 and the GP50L (or the GP53 and GP53L as listed in the BNSF Special System Instructions)? I've been seeing alot of these along the Front Range Sub during the last few weeks.

Is a GP50L or a GP53 an upgraded or somehow modified GP50?
SantaFeRuss

They are ex-BN GP50s that have a modified 5 man cab.

I'm not sure, but I would guess that the GP50's are the standard cab equipped units and the GP50L are the GP50's with the extended cab. As for the designation "GP53", that is not an official EMD designation so I'm guessing that they are the GP50's upgraded to 3600 Horsepower.

Bill Morrison
MorrisonRailfan@aol.com

The GP53's are GP50s that have had there HP downgrades to 3000HP. I think this was due to the fact that the 645 engine block had been pushed to far si BN was looking for a way yo make them more reliable.
Kevin

superc wrote:
> They are ex-BN GP50s that have a modified 5 man cab.

No, the "L" did not have to do with the larger "Extended" cab found on the final five units, BN 3158-3162.

The "GP50L" designation refers to the LARS equipment that was once put on them. "LARS" was applied only to owned units, which wound up being either GP50's or SD40-2's.
BN 3100-3109 were ordered by the Frisco and were not owned units. However BN 3110-3162 were owned. Therefore, LARS was put on the BN 3110-3162. They were commonly referred to as "GP50L," just as the SD40-2's that received this equipment were referred to as "SD42L." And then the SD40-3's with this equipment were similarly designated "SD43L."

This "short hand" system had to due with restraints in the BN computer system which would not allow for an "SD40-2L" or another similar designation. Therefore it was shortened to "SD42" for "SD40-2" and then the "L" was added indicating the unit had the LARS equipment. This also explains why the BN 7500-7502 were seen with "SD42B" stenciled on them.

As for the GP53 designation, how about the de-rating of the BN GP50's to 3300 horsepower after their performance proved very poor. They were derated to 3300 HP and not far after, down to 3000 HP in an effort to try and better their performance.

There's been a dozen or so running up and down the Seattle Sub.