GG1

The GG1 is an electric locomotive built specifically for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) for use in the northeastern part of the United States. Between 1934 and 1943, General Electric built 139 GG1’s, most ending up at the front end of a passenger train, but freight trains were common too.

The GG1 is a behemoth locomotive measuring 80 feet long, weighing in at 475,000 pounds and uses twelve 385-horsepower traction motors to power its drivers. The history behind the GG1 name is interesting. Internally, GG1’s are mounted on two separate and flexible frames to provide equal traction for each of the drive wheels. Since the PRR classified a 4-6-0 engine as a class “G” locomotive – and the GG1 is literally two back-to-back 4-6-0 frames, the locomotive became known as a GG locomotive, version 1 – or shortened to GG1.

Lionel’s model of the legendary GG1 is an accurate representation of the real life locomotive. When introduced in 1947, it was impressive and unlike any existing model train locomotive. The classic 2332 GG1 heading up a set of three Madison passenger cars was both impressive and scale-like in looks, color and overall appearance. The GG1 remained in the Lionel family for 17 years, finally bowing out in 1963.

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