Eastern Railroad Discussion > CSX GP30M/GP30?SLUGS

What is the difference between them and can I get some pix?

GP30M's have engines, Slugs don't. The slugs retain their cab and controls, but the engine is replaced with a cement block to weigh down the locomotive. Coolant fans and grilles are gone. They still have dynamics. Traction motors are good up to 30 MPH. All GP30Ms are retired. None were converted to slugs. The slugs are straight GP30s, from the 40-- thru 41-- series, as well as the GP35's, and the newer order of GP38's and GP40's. To find pictures-go to:

CSX Photo Archives-
http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos

-MuskBlock
http://www.geocities.com/csxt_gp38/HOME.html

As for GP30s vs GP30Ms… for the most part there were no external differences between them. However, most of the rebuilt GP30Ms did receive the trade mark Chessie slotted battery box door. But, I understand a few unrebuilt units got this feature after the GP30M program ended in 1983.

Galen Wright
Lynchburg, VA
K4CnO

The CSX photo archives site previously mentioned and also Chessie photo archives at http://www.trainweb.org/chessiephotos/ would be good places for the pix...

As far as the actual differences between GP-30 and GP-30M, I paraphrase from Jerry Doyle's book 'Chessie System Diesel Locomotives' :

GP-30Ms (rebuilt 1981-1983) were internally rewired...with some modular components similar to Dash 2 units...new IDAC wheel slip control, D77 traction motors...cab heaters...the 567D prime mover retained turbocharging, but was downrated to 2000 hp.

External spotting features include the aforementioned Chessie-style slotted battery box, the bell was moved to the fireman's long-hood side, and cab vents were added (though not all rebuilds got all of these, and some non-rebuilt GP-30s got some of these).

Doyle goes on to say that the rebuilds were extremely reliable. 34 C&O and 33 B&O units were rebuilt in Cumberland and Huntington.

Thanks.