Diesel, the most significant development in railway technology during the 20th century, was refined and perfected resulting in locomotives that were more powerful, faster, more reliable, and more versatile than the earliest machines on the market. General Motors' Electro-Motive Division rapidly moved to become the leader in diesel-electric technology. Its business practice and models essentially defined the design and operation of diesel locomotives in North America. Producing roughly 1500 hp, Electro-Motive's famous 16-cylinder 567 diesel electric engine is at the heart of all GP7vGP20s. This book is an authoritative and richly illustrated account of EMD's General Purpose models GP7vGP20. It details these early road switchers' place in history with over 200 photos, most in color. Author Brian Solomon, contributor to numerous railway periodicals and author of over two dozen books on railway subjects, including the best-selling Specialty Press title EMD F-Unit Locomotives, shares his knowledge of the history and specifications of EMD's early road switchers. A must-read for all train enthusiasts, this book details everything from the Geep's awesome powerplant to its construction, as well as its place in railway history.

8-1/2 x 11, 201 b/w photos, 100 color photos

Blending automotive manufacturing and styling techniques with state-of-the-art diesel-electric technologies, General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division conceived and marketed America’s first commercially successful road diesels: the fabulous E-Units and F-Units. This illustrated companion to Voyageur Press’ Alco Locomotives (2009) and Baldwin Locomotives (2010) is the most comprehensive history of the most recognizable locomotives ever built. Beginning with 1937 debut of the fast and powerful E-Units designed for long-haul passenger service, author Brian Solomon treats readers to a wonderful array of archival imagery while explaining the impact the locomotives made on the locomotive market and the railroad industry.

Learn the history, spotting features, characteristics, and operation of diesel locomotives, plus how to determine appropriate eras, and details and features.

Identifies more than 170 locomotives and cars, grouped by visual similarity for ease of identification and including statistical data, manufacturing history, and usage by railroads.

Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. led the General Motors Corporation to international business success by virtue of his brilliant managerial practices and his insights into the new consumer economy he and General Motors helped to produce. Sloan's business biography, My Years With General Motors, was an instant best seller when it was first published in 1964 and is still considered indispensable reading by modern business giants.

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Acclaimed rail author Brian Solomon's landmark histories of General Electric's and Electro-Motive's machines are showcased in one beautifully designed, photo-packed volume.

Introduced in the 1930s, efficient and adaptable diesel locomotives had all but displaced steam locomotives by 1960. This colorful photographic history examines the development, implementation, and operation of diesel locomotives from the gleaming pioneer Zephyrs of the '30s through today's 8000-horsepower beasts. In the course of examining the dawn and preeminence of diesel power, the author offers a glimpse of America's major railways -- both freight and passenger -- in stunning modern and period color photography. Manufacturers like EMD, Alco and GE are included. The final chapter describes the operation and maintenance of modern diesel locomotives, and an appendix lists where rail fans can see restored examples of early diesels today.

Tony Koester takes an in-depth look at the time period (and most popular modeling era) when railroads were changing from steam locomotives to diesel during the 1940s and 1950s.