The PRR GG-1
| Technical Information |
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| Type: 4-6-6-4 |
| Traction Current: Single-phase, 15,000 V, 25 Hz |
| Power: 4,920 hp |
| Motors: Twelve 410 hp |
| Weight: 477,000 lbs. |
| Speed: 100 mph |
The GG-1 was born out of a competition between General Electric and Baldwin-Westinghouse, with the first GG-1 being built by General Electric in 1934. The PRR had asked each company to come up with a locomotive to replace the P5/P5a because the PRR was disappointed with its pulling power, and the wear and tear it was causing on the track. Electric traction was, therefore, considered, and the line was completely electrified with single phase alternating current, 15,000 V, 25 Hz, starting in 1934, with overhead catnary.
The 4-6-4, 4-8-4, and 4-6-6-4 axle arrangements were, at the time, considered the best for high-speed locomotives. Engineers continued to use driving axles that were made jointly with a rigid frame and carrying trucks at the end to guide the locomotive, and help it track curves. This design followed the grand tradition of the steam locomotive, and was used until Swiss engineers demonstrated the futility of the system, and offered locomotives with driving axles that were grouped into trucks.
Faced with the weight of the trains to be hauled and the weight of the twelve powerful motors that had to be installed, the PRR chose a 4-6-6-4 configuration. The basic design of the GG-1 is patterned after the New Haven's class EP-3 passenger locomotives, and the Cleveland Union Terminal Electrics of the Pennsy's main rival, The New York Central System. To perfect the prototype, and respect the grand aesthetic tradition of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the design of the locomotive body was turned over to the celebrated industrial designer, Raymond Loewy. Mr. Loewy streamlined the locomotive and added the famous stripes. The PRR purchased 139 GG-1's, with the first being number 4800. During the eight year production run of the GG-1, the Pennsy split the orders for electrical equipment between GE and Westinghouse, with the Pennsy assembling all but the first 14 production models at its Altoona shops. Most of the GG-1's were painted in the PRR's Brunswick Green, first with five gold leaf stripes, and later with one Dulux gold stripe. Ten units were painted Tuscan Red with a single stripe in the late 1950's, and three were painted silver with black lettering and a single red stripe during the mid 1950's.
The fleet of GG-1's hauled the Broadway Limited, the General, the Congressionals, and the remainder of the Pennsy's passenger fleet. The Class GG-1 locomotive was capable of hauling 20 car trains weighing more than 1,700 tons at 100 mph with surprising ease. The engine was capable of providing 4,920 hp under normal operating conditions, but it could provide 8,000 hp for short periods.
The GG-1 was a fixture on the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving the PRR and its successors in the busy New York - Philadelphia / Harrisburg - Washington electrified region for 49 years. Most of the GG-1 fleet survived into the 1970's. Forty GG-1's were sold to Amtrak, where six of them were painted in a red, blue, and platinum scheme, while the remaining units were black. The last Amtrak revenue run behind a GG-1 was on May 1, 1981.
The GG-1 was one of the most exceptional locomotives in the world. Model versions have been produced by Lionel and MTH, and a number of prototypes have been preserved, and are on display at museums across the country. The GG-1 has earned a place in the hearts, and on the layouts of railfans across the country.
| OOPS ! |
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| On January 15,1953, a GG-1 locomotive at the head of the Pennsy's federal Express train carrying inauguration passengers had brake failure and crashed into Washington, D.C.'s Union Station. Even though the engine was in reverse, the GG-1 was travelimg about 35mph when it smashed through the buffer stops and crossed the concourse. The train did not stop until the concourse floor collapsed beneath the weight and the 238 ton locomotive and the first two cars dropped into the luggage room below. Amazingly, although 50 people were injured, not a single person was killed. Since there was no quick way to remove the GG-1, a temporary platform was hastily built above the crash site to accomodate the crowds flooding into Washington for inaugural week festivities. The GG-1 was discreetly disassembled, and freed over the next few days. That same GG-1 was returned to service in less than a year. |
| GG-1 Photos |
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 Pennsy #4800 |
| Pennsy #4859 |
| Pennsy #4913 |
| Pennsy #4819 |
| Penn Central Scheme |
| Black Amtrak Scheme |
| Larry Morgan's photo of "Old Rivets" |
