RDG Co. EMD GP7, Class RS-3, #621
Ex-Reading GP7 #621 masquerading as Ma & Pa #1506. (photo courtesy Tim Weidner)
Background & History
#621 was built for the Reading Company in May of 1953 and served for 22 years in both freight and passenger service. Known as the “Reading Geeps,” they were often referred to as the “back-bone” of the system. Some went into Conrail and others were sold off to various shortlines and railroads before the creation of Conrail. The 621 never received the later “yellow/green” paint scheme before going to the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad in 1975. It was renumbered to 86 and later to 1506 after the Emons Group acquired the Ma & Pa. In 1997 it was sold to the East Penn Railroad and never operated. In 2003 it was bought by the RCT&HS. Time and funds permitting, it will eventually be fully-restored into its 1953 as-delivered “olive drab” scheme.
Archival Photos
• Sister #613 idles at the Hagerstown Yard fueling pad?, Date unknown. (photo courtesy North East Railfan)
• Sister #632 sitting in for #621, rests between assignments at Reading Yard. Date unknown. (photo courtesy J. Hunt)
| EMD GP7 Specifications (as-built): | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder: | Electro-Motive Division, LaGrange, IL | Engine model: | 567B |
| Date built: | May 1953 | Type: | 2-stroke diesel |
| Builder’s #: | 18421 | Aspiration: | Roots blower |
| Horsepower: | 1500 | Cylinders: | 16 (Vee) |
| Top speed: | 65 m.p.h. | Bore x Stroke: | 8.5" x 10" |
| Weight: | 246,400 | Displacement: | 9,072 c.i. |
| Tractive effort: | 61,600 | Idle Speed: | 275 r.p.m. |
| Length: | 56' 2" | Max. speed: | 65 m.p.h. |
| Fuel: | 800 gallons | Transmission: | DC generator, DC traction motors |
| Lube oil: | 200 gallons | Brake system: | 24 RL |
| Water: | 230 gallons | Braking: | Air and dynamic |
| (last updated: 1/08) |