Nostalgia & History > SP Memories: GP9's in Oregon

#1) Not nearly as common as their 6-axle sisters, there always seemed to be a smattering of GP9’s bouncing around Oregon. They were used everywhere, operating solo in yard and local duty or mixed in with other units on haulers. On occasion they also operated in solid sets as seen here rounding the wye at Corvallis Jct. in 1973. This 1st Westsider consist included long-time Oregon units 3624, 3537, 3615 and 3640.

#2) Heading SP west on the Toledo Branch for Albany and then on to Eugene, the two grimy trailing units almost look like they’d spent time in helper service, unlikely duty for Geeps- but this was the SP.

#3) 1954-built 3428 was the most ragged, battle-worn GP9 that I ever saw. It showed up briefly in 1973 and is seen here at Lake Oswego as this Westsider sets out a unit for the Jeff Street job. Note the usual number boards and lack of gyralights, typical of former TN&O units.

---

---

---

Wow,great photos,all those Geeps have been on the Susanville branch many times the 3624 weeks at a time.The exception is the former TNO 3428 she is a stranger visiting from Roseville.

Mark