The 6955 is a 2,250 hp EMD GP30, four-axle road switcher diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division of La Grange, Illinois in 1962.  Between July 1961 and November 1963 a total of 948 units were built for railroads in the United States and Canada. It was the first so-called "second generation" EMD diesel locomotive, and was produced in response to increased competition by a new entrant, General Electric's U25B, which was released roughly at the same time as the GP30.

Since EMD wanted the new locomotive to be visibly modern and updated, they turned to the GM Automotive Styling Center at Troy, Michigan for help. The automobile stylists created the GP30's trademark "hump" and cab roof profile. The hump-like bulge started at the front of the cab and enveloped the air intakes for the central air system and the dynamic brake blister. Units ordered without dynamic brakes were the same shape, but lacked the intakes to cool the dynamic brake resistor grids.

The 6955 was one of 77 GP30’s ordered by the Baltimore & Ohio Railway. It was later changed to #4260 after the B&O and Chesapeake & Oho merger, which created the famous “Chessie” brand.

The Chessie System rebuilt its GP30 units into GP30Ms, adding newer components, new traction motors and reducing their power to 2000 hp. They lasted with CSX into the mid-to-late 1990s.

There are approximately 30 preserved units still operating in Museum and Shortline service. All other remaining GP30’s have been heavily rebuilt to modern standards.

#6955 is currently stored at Locomotive re-builder, National Railway Equipment, in Silvis, IL. It still wears it’s #4260, which was adopted from CSX.

Specical Thanks must be given to National Railway Equipment for helping us preserve this rare locomotive.

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