prime mover:

horsepower:

operating weight:

length:

max. speed:

Locomotives like the 708 represent a major shift in the evolution of the diesel-electric locomotive.  The first diesels to replace steam locomotives in large numbers were mostly "carbody" type engines, where the body was full width, with no walkways, and the form was often streamlined.  An excellent example of this style of locomotive is the Western Pacific 805-A passenger engine.

Beginning in the 1940s, however, locomotive builders began putting narrow hoods on their larger locomotives, creating motive power suitable for mainline freight trains, but having the visibility to allow its use as a switching engine.  This "roadswitcher" body quickly became the dominant style for freight locomotives, one which continues today.  The 708 represents the first model made by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors using this style, and was part of the first order of such locomotives delivered to the Western Pacific.

The 708 and her sisters had long careers on the Western Pacific, their versatile and rugged design proving its worth.  Most would serve until after the Union Pacific merged the WP in December 1982, doing any work required to move the freight, just as their designers intended.

567B - 16 cylinder

1500

251,700 lbs.

56 ft. 2 in.

65 MPH

model:

builder:

built:

builder number:

cost when built:

GP7

GM Electro-Motive Division

October 1952

17056

$170,992.00