Southern Railway 2594

A Rare High-Hood GP30 at TVRM

Built in 1962, Southern Railway 2594 is a standout example of EMD’s GP30 design and one of the few locomotives preserved with Southern’s distinctive high short hood. Explore its story, design, and place in railroad history at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

Southern Railway 2594: A Distinctive High-Hood Diesel

Built in 1962 by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division, Southern Railway 2594 is a classic GP30 locomotive rated at 2,250 horsepower. What sets it apart is its high short hood—an uncommon feature that distinguished locomotives operated by the Southern Railway and Norfolk & Western Railway from standard low-hood designs.

Originally used in mainline freight service, 2594 worked alongside other diesel-electric locomotives hauling trains across the region. In 1993, it was preserved and later became part of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s collection.

Today, Southern Railway 2594 remains a standout piece of working railroad heritage, still wearing its iconic Southern paint scheme and continuing to operate on select excursions—offering visitors a rare chance to experience a true high-hood GP30 in action.