While the road switcher concept had appeared as early as 1940, EMD preferred to concentrate on its F series cab unit diesels for freight service. But with no footboards and no rearward visibility, F units were not well liked by crews on locals and similar runs where there was a lot of switching or reverse running. EMD entered the road switcher market tentatively in 1948 with its BL1 and BL2, which mounted a semi-streamlined body on the same frame and machinery as the F3. This was a start, but in 1949, EMD found exactly what the railroads wanted in its new General Purpose series. Simple and rugged, the squared-off lines of the new GP7 weren't necessarily handsome, but this didn't matter to the new owners. In short order, buyers were using GP7s for everything from road freights to commuter service. Production continued with minor changes along the way (these spotting features are referred to as phases by railfans to differentiate variations among the otherwise similar locos) through 1954 when the more powerful GP9 was introduced. Reliable and versatile, many have lead long lives and are still working for shortlines and industrial operators.

* Prototype-Specific Detailing
* Magnetic Knuckle Couplers
* All-Wheel Drive & Electrical Pick-Up
* Dual Machined Brass Flywheels
* Constant & Directional Headlights
* RP-25 Wheels
* Heavy Diecast Chassis
* Five-Pole Skew-Wound Motor