GS-4 Northern locomotive

The GS-4 Northern is a famous and iconic steam locomotive of the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) in the United States. These locomotives were built for the Southern Pacific by the Lima Locomotive Works between 1941 and 1944.

The GS-4 received its name because of its "Golden State" design classification and its 4-8-4 wheel arrangement, which is commonly referred to as "Northern" in railroad terminology. This arrangement means that it had four front wheels for steering, eight driving wheels and four rear wheels.

These locomotives were designed primarily for long-distance passenger express train services on the Southern Pacific's mainline routes, including the famous "Daylight" luxury train between Los Angeles and San Francisco. They were known for their power, speed and elegant appearance.

The GS-4s were visually impressive locomotives, with polished sheet metal bodywork and chrome accents, giving them a distinctive and attractive appearance. Their reliable performance and ability to maintain high speeds on long-distance services made them a favorite among passengers and railroad personnel alike.

After the steam locomotive era, some GS-4s were preserved and restored, and can be found in operation on heritage railroads and railroad museums in the United States. The GS-4 Northern remains a beloved steam locomotive admired for its beauty, performance and role in American railroad history.