Southern Pacific class GS-3

SP GS-3

Power type	Steam
Builder	Lima Locomotive Works
Serial number	7721 – 7734
Build date	October-December 1937
Configuration	4-8-4
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Driver size	80 inch diameter
Weight on drivers	267,300 lb
Total weight	460,000 lb
Boiler pressure	280 psi
Cylinder size	26 in dia × 32 in stroke
Tractive effort	62,800 lbf, 76,050 lbf with booster
Career	Southern Pacific Railroad
Class	GS-3
Number in class	14
Number	4416 – 4429
First run	November-December 1937
Retired	1957
Disposition	scrapped

The GS-3 is a streamlined 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive that served the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1938 to 1957. They were built by Lima Locomotive Works and were numbered 4416 through 4429. GS stands for "Golden State" or "General Service."

The GS-3 had an appearance similar to the GS-2. The GS-3s were streamlined and designed for high-speed passenger service. Like the GS-2, they featured a silver smokebox with a cone-shaped single headlight casing, skyline casing on the top of the boiler, skirting on the sides, an air horn, teardrop classification lights, and whistles. The only major difference in appearance was the increase in driver size.

They received the orange and red "Daylight" paint scheme. They were primarily used on Southern Pacific's premier passenger train at the time, the Coast Daylight. In later years after being replaced by newer GS class engines, they were painted black, had their side skirting removed for easier maintenance, and were reassigned to the San Jose-San Francisco commute trains, freight service, and made occasional appearances on the San Joaquin Daylight.

No GS-3 locomotives survive.

References

• Diebert, Timothy S. and Strapac, Joseph A. (1987). Southern Pacific Company Steam Locomotive Conpendium. Shade Tree Books. ISBN 0-930742-12-5. 

GS-class steam locomotives of Southern Pacific Railroad
Classes:	GS-1 · GS-2 · GS-3 · GS-4 · GS-5 · GS-6
Preserved:	SP 4449 · SP 4460