It is a 'known fact' that most people like trains. Well, at least most male people. There is just something about thundering locomotives that stirs the blood in most of us and I have to confess that even living 1/4 mile from a major rail line crossing and hearing train horns at all hours of the night I still like them.

In the beginning it was steam that provided the motive power, but it wasn't long before that gave way to diesel-electrics in the mid-early 1940s. These not only did not produce the prodigious amounts of smoke that the steam trains did, but was able to produce reliable power and ease of starting.

Initially, diesel-electrics were used in yard work as switchers, but eventually they made their way onto main-line trains. These yard switchers were short wheel base and relatively low on power as they only had to shunt cars and not take them on long hauls.

It was then realized that by increasing the power and the wheelbase, a locomotive that could do it all could be produced. This was the beginning of the General Purpose locomotive. Though initially started by Alco, ElectoMotive Division of General Motors (EMD) soon started building their own. With the coming of WWII, Alco was locked into building steam locomotives while EMD was tasked with diesels. This gave EMD an advantage as they were able to improve their product and post war, they became the dominant builder of General Purpose diesels, starting with the GP7.

These 'jeeps' became a huge success as they were able to do it all and allowed railroads to retire their older steam locomotives. The commonality in parts with EMD's F series streamlined locos also added to the attraction of the GP.

The author, Brian Soloman, takes us through the story of the EMD GP from its inception until the end of the line with the less than successful GP 20 of the 1960s. Each version is given a full and careful inspection as to the plusses and drawbacks of the design. There are sections on operating these locomotives as well as on the efforts of upgrading and rebuilding older units. Many of these trains are still in active service on the rails throughout North America (and probably overseas as well).

Illustrated with hundreds of superlative color and B&W photographs, this book is a slice of eye-candy as well as an in-depth history. Whether you are a rail-fan of the first order or just like trains, this is a book that you will be very happy to have on your shelves.

June 2006

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