EMD GP 30 #522
The GP30 #522 is a historically significant locomotive originally purchased by the Norfolk and Western Railway and now preserved by the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS). Manufactured by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors, the GP30 was built in December 1962. It features an EMD 567D3 16-cylinder engine, generating 2,250 horsepower. The locomotive is notable for its distinctive hump on the cab roofline, designed for improved aerodynamics and aesthetics, as well as a low nose for better crew visibility.
GP30 #522 served primarily in freight service for the Norfolk and Western Railway, showcasing the model’s versatility and reliability in transporting various types of cargo across the railroad’s extensive network in the southeastern and midwestern United States. The Roanoke Chapter NRHS acquired the locomotive to preserve it due to it being the class leader for the GP30s purchased by the Norfolk and Western.
The preservation of GP30 #522 highlights its historical value as an example of EMD’s innovative locomotive design and engineering from the 1960s, a period marked by significant advancements in diesel-electric technology. By maintaining this locomotive, the Roanoke Chapter NRHS ensures a tangible connection to the legacy of the Norfolk and Western Railway, emphasizing the crucial role railroads played in the industrial and economic development of the United States. Through these efforts, GP30 #522 remains a functional and educational artifact, celebrating the rich history of American railroading and the technological progress that shaped the industry.
| Builder: | EMD |
| Locomotive Model: | GP30 (General Purpose Model 30) |
| Engine: | 16-567D3 |
| Horsepower: | 2250HP |
| Built: | 6/1962 |
| Builder Number: | 27355 |
| Built For: | Norfolk and Western |
| Reporting Mark: | RNRH 522 |
| Other Reporting Marks | NW 522 |