The EMD GP18 was not a revolutionary locomotive, but what it lacked in innovation it made up for with versatility. It evolved from the proven and successful GP7 and GP9 locomotive designs-some of the most successful models ever built-keeping the best of their features and adding important new options of its own. Increased power was one of the main selling points, with the GP18 getting 1800 horsepower out of its non-turbocharged 567D1 diesel, compared to only 1500 horsepower for the GP7 and 1750 horsepower for the GP9.
 
While the extra boost in power was important, versatility was what made this locomotive successful. Like its predecessors, GP18s could handle a full range of duties, from switching and transfer runs to heading up mainline passenger or freight trains. Among the many options offered were steam generators for passenger service, winterization hatches for improved cold-weather performance, dynamic brakes for maximum braking on steep grades, and a variety of fuel tank sizes to suit operating conditions and axle loadings.
 
EMD produced 388 GP18s from 1959 until 1963, with American railroads purchasing 350 units and Mexican railroads ordering 38. Replaced by the turbo-charged GP20 and the uniquely styled GP30, the GP18 was not as innovative as the locomotives produced before or after it. But when you measure the GP18 by the standards of versatility and usefulness, it was another of EMD's most successful locomotive designs.
 

 This new run will feature a powerful motor with 5-pole skew wound armature, dual flywheels and bronze oilless bearings. It will be DCC Ready and have new molding for body and detail parts.

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