The EMD GA8 is an export diesel locomotive designed by GM-EMD in the late 1950s as a simplified design for use on overseas railways with light rail and sharp curves. [1] At the time of its introduction it was described as an extremely lightweight road locomotive capable of handling passenger or freight trains and switching. [ 2 ]

The little bit of narrow gauge switching was being done by one of the 10 brand new EMD GA8 diesels, NdeM #5406. Compared to all those cute little steam engines, the new EMD GA8 diesels just weren't too interesting.

EMD came up with the bright idea that provide a simpler (aka cheap) small locomotive for the export market that could be easily adapted to any gauge down to 36" gauge, they came up with the GA8 design. Above the frame, it resembles the GL8, but the running gear is very different.

Apr 15, 2025 · I think it was somewhat after 1958 that EMD first offered its D36/CD36 three foot-gauge motor, but of the 1958 range, the shaft-driven GM6, GA8, GMDH-1 and GMDH-3 were available in this gauge. Alco had also expanded its export range beyond the DL500 and into road-switcher models late in 1956.

May 3, 2024 · The G8, GA8 and GL8 were standard EMD export models. The G8C and GL8C were built by EMD’s Australian associate, Clyde Engineering, to meet specific Australian railway system requirements.

EMD GA 8; Discussion of Electro-Motive locomotive products and technology, past and present. Official web site can be found here: http://www.emdiesels.com/.

Jan 24, 2025 · Coahuila y Zacatecas 803 was a one-of-a-kind upgrade of the EMD 3-ft gauge GA8, of which 23 were exported to Mexico. It was built in 1967 and designated as model GA18. CyZ was absorbed by NdeM and converted to standard gauge in 1970, so 1968 is a good date for this photo taken in Carneros, Coahuila.

Lakewood Red Car, a Community run consumer CO-OP is looking for interested parties and individuals wanting to help restore the ionic 1954 EMD G8 found just south of Boulder County, Colorado. As of November 2021, Lakewood Red Car has obtained ownership of this locomotive (EMD G8 208-1 )and has plans.

A work-in-progress animation of an EMD GA8 narrow gauge export diesel locomotive. I'm looking for feedback from those of you who are familiar with this type of locomotive. Any feedback or information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Damin.

The EMD GA8 is an export diesel locomotive designed by GM-EMD in the late 1950s as a simplified design for use on overseas railways with light rail and sharp curves. At the time of its introduction it was described as an extremely lightweight road locomotive capable of handling passenger or freight trains and switching.