Introduction

BLI 9581 HO Scale EMD GP30 Union Pacific UP 847 Stealth DC

The EMD GP30 is a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between July 1961 and November 1963. A total of 948 units were built for railroads in the United States and Canada. The GP30’s were designed to compete with GE’s U25B. The U25B offered 2500 horsepower, while the existing EMD GP20 was only rated at 2,000 hp. The EMD’s engineering department ended up using a 16 cylinder 567D3 engine that produced 2250 hp for the GP30. They also made several improvements on the GP20 design meant to match the U25B – a sealed airtight long hood, a single central air intake, and easier access for maintenance. These changes required more space behind the cab, and this was achieved vertically by raising the height of the locomotive, providing space for the central air system, the turbocharger, and electrical cabinet. This increased height meant a new body was required. EMD wanted the new body to be modern and updated, so the GM Automotive Styling Center created the GP30’s unique “hump” and cab roof profile.

In this first production, BLI is modeling eleven railroads and twelve distinct paint schemes – all models with prototypically accurate road numbers and paint schemes. In addition to the Paragon4 version, each model is available in Stealth Series. These are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, Front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always ON with track power. Additionally some lighting functions may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs.

FEATURES:

• Stealth Series – Model is DCC-Ready out of the box. No sound
• Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are ON with track power
• Model comes with 8 ohm speaker installed for easy installation of DCC/Sound decoder
• Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation
• All Wheel Electrical Pick-up
• ABS Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort
• Premium Caliber Painting
• Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers
• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Horn, Bell, Wipers, and Etched Metal Grills
• Metal Kadee-compatible Couplers (2)
• Will Operate on Code 70, Code 83, and Code 100 Rail
• Minimum Operating Radius: 18 inches
• Road-specific detail options that are prototypically accurate for each road name:
  • Truck sideframes
  • Dynamic brake hatch
  • Roof fan arrangement and type
  • Short hood detail arrangement
  • Long hood end detail arrangement
  • High short hood option where accurate
  • Horn type and location
  • Bell location
  • Front pilot details
  • Rear pilot details
  • Cut level details
  • MU receptacle arrangement
  • Sunshade options
  • Antenna type and location
  • Wind deflector type
• Individually controllable lights in EMD GP30 models (note that light options may be limited in Stealth Series models):
  • Headlight
  • Rear Light
  • Numberboard Lights (Front & Rear)
  • Front Classification Lights
  • Rear Classification Lights
  • Cab Light
  • Mars Light (where appropriate)
  • Rotary Beacon (where appropriate)
  • Ditch Lights (where appropriate)