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EMD GP30

The EMD GP30 is a four-axle (B-B ) diesel-electric with a rated at 2,250 horsepower (1,680 kW), produced by the of in , from July 1961 to November 1963, with a total of 948 units built, including 40 cabless booster variants known as GP30Bs. Introduced as EMD's competitive response to General Electric's U25B universal series locomotives, the GP30 represented the final evolution of the builder's venerable 567-series in a four-axle configuration, featuring a turbocharged 16-cylinder 567D3A engine that delivered improved power output over prior GP models while maintaining compatibility with existing EMD fleets. The design incorporated distinctive styling elements, including a low short hood, as standard equipment, an airtight for better maintenance access, and a semi-streamlined "humpback" profile developed with input from ' automotive styling team, which contributed to its visual uniqueness among mid-20th-century American diesels. Weighing approximately 260,000 pounds (118 metric tons) and equipped for multiple-unit operation, the GP30 was versatile for both freight hauling and yard switching duties, with options for high-short-hood configurations, steam generators for passenger service, and various hood modifications to suit customer preferences. Production was distributed among nearly 30 railroads, including major Class I carriers such as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (85 units), Southern Railway (120 units), and Union Pacific (111 units), as well as smaller lines like the Greenville & Western and Arkansas & Oklahoma, reflecting its broad appeal during a period of rapid dieselization in North American railroading. Despite its short three-year run, the model's durability has ensured a lasting legacy, with examples remaining in revenue service on lines like BNSF Railway more than six decades later, alongside nearly 20 preserved units, some operational for excursion runs, underscoring its role as a transitional workhorse bridging EMD's early turbocharged era and subsequent 645-series engine designs.

Design and Specifications

Overview and Dimensions

The EMD GP30 is a four-axle (B-B configuration) road-switcher diesel-electric rated at 2,250 horsepower, designed for versatile freight service on mainline and secondary routes. Built by the General Motors Electro-Motive Division (), the model entered production in July 1961 and continued until November 1963, with a total of 948 units constructed, including 40 cabless GP30B variants. This production run marked a significant output for EMD's facility, reflecting the locomotive's popularity among North American railroads seeking an upgrade from earlier GP models without shifting to heavier six-axle designs. Key physical dimensions of the GP30 emphasize its compact yet robust build suitable for standard gauge tracks. The locomotive measures 56 feet 2 inches (17.12 meters) in length over the coupler pulling faces, 10 feet 2.5 inches (3.10 meters) in width at the cab, and 15 feet 3 inches (4.65 meters) in height to the top of the engine hood. Overall weight typically ranges from 248,000 to 260,000 pounds (112,500 to 118,000 kilograms), varying slightly by railroad specifications and equipment loads, which allowed for adaptability to different track conditions. Axle loading averages 62,000 pounds (28,100 kilograms) per , contributing to a balanced distribution across the Blomberg M , while the spans 41 feet (12.5 meters) between truck centers for stability during operations. Fuel and sand capacities support extended runs and traction in varied environments. The standard holds 1,700 U.S. gallons (6,400 liters), enabling long-haul efficiency, while the sand boxes provide 18 cubic feet (0.51 cubic meters) for improved wheel slip control on grades or wet rails. These features, combined with the model's low short hood design for improved crew visibility, positioned the GP30 as a reliable workhorse in mid-20th-century railroading. A high short hood option was available for enhanced safety, adopted by railroads such as the Norfolk and Western and Southern.

Powertrain and Performance

The EMD GP30's is the EMD 16-567D3, a turbocharged 16-cylinder with a of 9,072 cubic inches (148.7 L) and a bore of 8.5 inches (216 mm) by stroke of 10 inches (254 mm). This engine delivers a continuous rating of 2,250 horsepower (1,680 kW) at 800 rpm, providing reliable power for freight hauling while maintaining efficiency through its uniflow-scavenged design. The power output drives the main generator, an EMD D22 model rated at 2,250 horsepower (1,680 kW) for traction, which converts into electrical power for the locomotive's system. Electrical power from the main generator supplies four EMD D57 traction motors, one per in the B-B , enabling precise control and torque distribution across the 40-inch (1,016 mm) wheels. These motors operate with a 62:15 gear ratio, supporting a maximum speed of 65 (105 km/h) suitable for mainline freight operations. Performance characteristics include a starting of 60,500 lbf (269 kN) at 25% and a continuous of 50,000 lbf (222 kN) at 9.3 (15 km/h), allowing the to handle heavy loads effectively in yard and drag service. In typical freight applications, the achieves of around 400–500 ton-miles per gallon, reflecting its optimized diesel-electric configuration for long-haul economy. Auxiliary systems support sustained operation, with two radiator fans providing cooling for and electrical components by circulating air through the rear-mounted radiators. The air brake system relies on a Gardner-Denver WBO , which delivers 296 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 140 psi to maintain reservoir pressure for braking and other pneumatic functions. Additionally, the GP30 incorporates , where the traction motors function as generators to dissipate energy as heat in resistor grids, improving deceleration without excessive reliance on air brakes. The low short hood design integrates with the engine compartment to help mitigate operational noise.

Distinctive Features

The EMD GP30 featured a standard low short design that improved forward visibility for the crew, differing from the higher hoods of some earlier GP models. A high short option, measuring approximately (3.05 m) in effective height for the sealed long hood section, was available to provide a robust barrier for impact absorption while maintaining operational visibility, and was selected by certain railroads for added . The full-width body further supported impact absorption, marking a structural advancement in design for protection during accidents. A notable cab modification on the GP30 was the elevated roof "hump," a bulbous extension from the cab to the dynamic brake blister that housed the electrical cabinet, turbocharger, and air intake system, thereby improving headroom and forward visibility for the crew. Standard equipment included Leslie S-3 air horns mounted on the cab roof for signaling. These features contributed to the model's unique profile, influenced by General Motors' automotive styling for a modern appearance. Production of the GP30 occurred in four phases (Ia through Id) at EMD's plant, incorporating modular components such as the airtight sealed long hood and single rear section to streamline assembly and maintenance. Phase Ia units, built from to June 1962, featured wire-grill inertial air intake screens and flush grilles. Subsequent phases introduced variations, including louvered cab heater intakes in Phase Ib, a one-piece panel under intake grilles and extended left-hand cab side in Phase Ic (with the Ic variant adding a hatch), and taller intakes with wire ribs in Phase Id. Additional changes across phases encompassed dynamic hatch shapes, sideframe updates to box-shaped roller bearings, and rear sand hatch configurations, reflecting iterative improvements in functionality and crew accommodations.

History

Development Background

The development of the EMD GP30 was driven by intensifying competition in the diesel locomotive market, particularly General Electric's introduction of the U25B in 1959, a 2,500 hp four-axle model featuring a drive system that challenged Electro-Motive Division's (EMD) dominance following the first-generation GP7 through GP20 models. , a division of , faced pressure to innovate beyond its existing 2,000 hp GP20 to retain market share against GE's higher-output offering and ALCO's competing RS-27. Conceptual work on the GP30 began in 1959–1960 as EMD engineers sought to create a more powerful and reliable successor, marking the transition to second-generation diesel technology with substantial redesigns in powertrain and carbody. Prototype testing commenced in 1961, with the first demonstrator unit (No. 5629) completed in of that year and subjected to initial trials from July to September before being returned to for refinements. Production of customer units began in early 1962, with the first deliveries to the Reading Railroad in April 1962. Engineering goals centered on upgrading from the GP20 and related GP22 prototypes by boosting output to 2,250 hp through enhancements to the 16-cylinder 567-series engine, now designated the 567D3 with improved turbocharging for better reliability and performance under load. To achieve modern aesthetics and aerodynamics, collaborated with ' Automotive Styling Center in , resulting in a distinctive "humpback" roofline that accommodated taller electrical cabinets while enhancing overall appearance. Key challenges addressed included optimizing engine breathing via the 567D3's advanced and central air intake system, which reduced dust ingress and improved combustion efficiency over earlier naturally aspirated or less refined turbo setups. The design also targeted reductions in noise and vibration through sealed and modular components, contributing to a smoother operating environment. Enhanced crew safety was prioritized in response to accident data highlighting visibility and crash protection issues, incorporating a low short hood for improved forward sightlines. Compared to predecessors like the GP18 and GP20, which relied on the less powerful 567C or /D2 engines and traditional arched-roof designs, the GP30 represented EMD's first major second-generation overhaul, integrating higher power density, filtered air systems, and ergonomic improvements for sustained heavy-haul service.

Production Phases

The production of the EMD GP30 spanned from 1962 to November 1963, during which Electro-Motive Division manufactured 948 units in a series of phases that incorporated refinements to enhance reliability and performance. These phases primarily involved modifications to the carbody, air intake systems, and accessory features, while retaining the core 16-cylinder 567D3A turbocharged engine rated at 2,250 horsepower across all variants. peaked at an average rate of about 79 units per month, with each costing approximately $250,000 in 1961 dollars. The initial Phase Ia, built from to June 1962, comprised 135 units featuring the original wire-grille inertial air intakes and flush radiator grilles. This phase established the baseline "humpback" profile with equal-length cab sides and fabricated cab heater intakes, but early units revealed minor field issues such as cooling system inefficiencies, prompting subsequent updates. Phase Ib, produced in 1962 with 199 units (split into Ib1 and Ib2), introduced revised air intakes including five stamped louver heater intakes to better address dust ingress problems observed in initial deployments, along with a 48-cell battery box for improved electrical capacity on some units. Phase Ic, spanning late 1962 to early 1963 and totaling 172 units (split into Ic1 and Ic2), added dynamic hatches and transitioned to a II body style with larger radiator intakes for enhanced cooling efficiency, responding to ongoing feedback on thermal management. Minor turbocharger adjustments were implemented across these units to optimize the 567D3A engine's performance under varied loads, though the core remained consistent. The subsequent phases, including Id (171 units, January-March 1963) and later variants through November 1963, incorporated final grille tweaks such as protruding wire ribs on radiator intakes and extended cab sides on some orders for crew comfort. EMD's quality control efforts during focused on rapid incorporation of these changes to mitigate early issues like cooling failures, ensuring progressive improvements without halting assembly lines. No export models were produced by EMD, but two demonstrators were built: EMD 5629 (sold to Union Pacific as 875) and EMD 5639 (sold to the Seaboard Air Line as 534).

Production and Deployment

Original Orders by Railroad

The EMD GP30 saw widespread adoption among North American railroads, with a total of 908 cab-equipped A-units ordered by 27 different carriers between 1961 and 1963. Among the largest purchasers were the Southern Railway, which acquired 120 units delivered in 1962, the with 112 A-units (part of a larger fleet that included booster units), the , which ordered 52 units in 1963, and the Baltimore & Ohio with 77 units. Order timelines varied, with the Reading Company placing the initial production order for 20 units built starting in early 1962, followed by the Atchison, Topeka and Railway's purchase of 85 units across multiple batches in 1962 and 1963. Railroads assigned road numbers reflecting their numbering conventions, often in dedicated series; for example, Union Pacific units 800–874 wore the carrier's distinctive yellow-and-gray scheme, while Southern Railway's fleet (2525–2644) featured the road's green livery with white lettering. EMD also produced two demonstrator units: 5629, which was leased to various railroads for evaluation before being sold to Union Pacific as road number 875; and 5639, sold to the Seaboard Air Line as 1343.

Initial Service Entry

The entered in 1962 following successful testing of demonstrator unit 5629 on the from July to September 1961. This unit, painted in UP colors, demonstrated the locomotive's capabilities across the UP network, including mainline routes, leading to UP's order for the first production batch of 75 units (UP 800-874) delivered in July and August 1962. These early GP30s were assigned to freight operations system-wide, including the from Omaha to , where they handled heavy train consists typical of mid-1960s railroading. Production of the GP30 from July 1961 to November 1963 totaled 948 units, nearly double the 478 locomotives built from 1959 to 1966, allowing to maintain its market dominance against growing competition. Major buyers included the Union Pacific (112 units), Southern Pacific (57 units including subsidiaries), (52 units), and others, reflecting broad early adoption across Class I railroads. The model's sales success stemmed from its reliable 2,250 16-567D3 and versatile road-switcher design, which integrated well into existing fleets for general freight service. Initial operator feedback highlighted the GP30's strong pulling power for freights averaging 100-125 cars, though the elevated dynamic brake "hump" and high hood reduced forward visibility during switching, prompting some railroads like the to request low-hood variants. Early field adaptations included minor enhancements to sanding systems for improved traction in yard operations, such as hump yards. Availability in initial service reached approximately 90%, attributed to the proven 567-series , though minor electrical tweaks were needed for optimal performance. Geographic deployment focused on the U.S. Midwest and West, with Union Pacific and Southern Pacific units powering freights in and along transcontinental routes, while Eastern carriers like the assigned their GP30s (delivered February-May 1963) to key lines including the Keystone Route between and . This spread underscored the model's role in modernizing freight operations across diverse terrains during the early .

Operational History

Early Usage and Performance

The EMD GP30 served primarily in general freight operations, including drag freights and helper duties on steep grades during its initial two decades of service from the early through the 1980s. Railroads commonly operated these locomotives in multi-unit consists of two to four units to handle heavy loads, leveraging their 2,250 horsepower output from the turbocharged 16-567D3 engine for reliable pulling power. For instance, the Union Pacific deployed GP30s as helper locomotives on the challenging grades in northern , including the Park City Branch, where sets of two or three units assisted mainline trains navigating snowy and rugged terrain starting in the early 1970s. In regional applications, the GP30 proved versatile across diverse terrains and cargo types. The Southern Railway assigned its fleet to coal train operations in the region, where the locomotives hauled loaded hoppers through hilly routes like those near , contributing to efficient bulk freight movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Similarly, the Atchison, Topeka and Railway utilized GP30s on transcontinental routes through the Southwest, powering fast freight trains over arid stretches and mountain passes such as Tehachapi, enhancing long-haul efficiency on its extensive network. Performance metrics highlighted the model's durability, with many units accumulating substantial mileage in ; for example, Union Pacific's GP30s logged extensive system-wide runs from Omaha to before shifting to secondary assignments by the late 1960s. Maintenance experiences underscored the GP30's operational reliability after initial adjustments, though turbocharger repairs proved costly in early years due to the novel turbocharged design. These issues were addressed through routine servicing, allowing units to achieve extended run times between overhauls, typically aligned with the 567-series engine's capability for around 1 million miles of service life. Compared to the preceding GP20, the GP30's turbocharging provided higher power output, with overall benefits in efficiency for certain operations. Economically, the GP30 facilitated railroads' shift to second-generation diesel power by countering General Electric's competitive U25B model, preserving EMD's market dominance and allowing operators to modernize fleets without extensive crew expansions for helper roles on grades. This transition supported cost-effective freight hauling amid post-dieselization saturation, as the model's higher output reduced the number of units needed for demanding assignments.

Long-Term Service and Challenges

The EMD GP30 demonstrated remarkable longevity, with many units serving well beyond 30 years, often exceeding 40 years in revenue freight operations. Among Class I railroads, only BNSF maintained GP30-derived locomotives on its active roster as of 2025, primarily through rebuilds into and configurations that extended their utility in yard and local service. As of 2025, BNSF continues to operate these units, with recent sightings of rebuilds in yard service. Shortline operators also continued to deploy surviving examples for low-density freight tasks, including carriers such as the , , , and . Railroad mergers significantly influenced the GP30's deployment and preservation. Units originally acquired by the and New York Central transitioned to Penn Central following the 1968 merger, with examples like former NYC 6124 renumbered to PC 2197 and later serving under after its 1976 formation from bankrupt Northeastern carriers. 's 1999 split between Norfolk Southern and CSX further redistributed these locomotives, with many former GP30s allocated to and CSX fleets for continued drag freight and helper duties into the 1990s and early 2000s. Ongoing challenges for aging GP30s centered on the maintenance demands of their EMD 16-567D3 prime movers, which required frequent overhauls due to wear on components like cylinder liners, pistons, and turbochargers, compounded by the engine's two-stroke design prone to oil consumption and exhaust issues. Parts availability became more challenging in the 2000s as EMD reduced support for older 567-series engines, forcing operators to rely on aftermarket suppliers or cannibalization from retired units, which increased downtime and costs for fleets still in service post-1985. Despite the high short hood providing crew visibility, the locomotive's elevated carbody contributed to a higher center of gravity, potentially exacerbating instability in certain derailment scenarios, though robust four-axle design aided recovery in many incidents. Overall, many units achieved service lives of 40 years or more before retirement or rebuild. To enhance reliability on lighter rail networks, surviving GP30s received modern upgrades, including microprocessor-based slip control systems to mitigate starting adhesion issues on uneven , improving and reducing damage during . These adaptations proved suitable for low-traffic routes, as seen with former Denver & Rio Grande Western units operating on the Cimarron Valley Railroad until their retirement in 2018 amid the line's operational shifts. In the 2020s, BNSF conducted a second wave of rebuilds on GP30-based units with updated electrical systems and emissions controls to comply with evolving regulations, thereby extending their roles in regional freight amid broader industry discussions on transitioning to and electric motive power. Many units faced attrition in the through due to stringent EPA emissions standards targeting pre-1973 non-road engines, accelerating retirements on high-volume mainlines while preserving them for secondary services.

Variants and Modifications

Booster B Units

The EMD GP30B was a cabless booster variant of the GP30 diesel-electric locomotive, designed to provide additional tractive effort in multiple-unit consists without the need for operator controls. Produced exclusively by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in 1963, a total of 40 units were built, all for the Union Pacific Railroad (UP), numbered 700B–739B and delivered between April and July. These boosters shared the same core specifications as the cab-equipped GP30 A-units, including a 16-cylinder 567D3 turbocharged prime mover rated at 2,250 horsepower, four axles on Blomberg B trucks, and an overall length of 56 feet 2 inches, with the absence of the cab structure offset by internal equipment placement to maintain dimensional parity. Intended primarily to augment power in heavy freight operations, the GP30B units were deployed as trailing or intermediate boosters in A-B-A configurations, allowing UP to form matched sets for enhanced pulling capacity on demanding routes like those across the Rockies. Of the 40 units, the first 27 (700B–726B) were configured for freight service with standard weights around 258,800 pounds, while the remaining 13 (727B–739B) included generators and larger 1,200-gallon tanks for duties, such as hauling troop trains during the era, with weights up to 272,100 pounds. This integration with A-units enabled efficient consists, but the cabless design restricted their use to non-leading positions, as they lacked visibility and control features essential for operation. The GP30B's production occurred during the later phases of GP30 manufacturing (Phases Ie and IIa), reflecting incremental improvements like higher radiator intakes and revised sand hatches, but the variant's limited appeal stemmed from the declining viability of B-units by the mid-1960s, as railroads favored versatile cab-equipped locomotives. By the 1970s, the units were relegated to secondary and local service as UP introduced more powerful models like the SD40 and SD45, exacerbating the cabless design's safety and operational limitations in an era of stricter crew visibility standards. All GP30B units were retired by 1989, with many stored and subsequently scrapped between 1981 and 1986 at facilities like Auto Shredding, while others had their engines harvested for rebuilding A-units or conversion into other models, such as GP39Ms; none remain in original B-unit configuration today.

Rebuild Programs

The , in collaboration with (EMD), launched a rebuild program in the early to convert worn GP30 and GP35 locomotives into GP39E units, utilizing cores from scrapped or surplus units. These rebuilds featured a 12-cylinder prime mover rated at 2,300 horsepower, along with updated electrical systems and components for improved reliability. The program produced a fleet of such units that entered service in the early , with examples like former Southern Railway GP30 No. 2597 rebuilt as BNSF No. 2754 continuing operations into the 2020s. In the 1980s, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) undertook its own in-house rebuilds at the Cleburne shops, transforming GP30s into GP30u models by installing new power assemblies, modernized wiring and control systems (including microprocessor-based upgrades), and D77 traction motors while upgrading to a 2,500 horsepower output. Similarly, the rebuilt 67 GP30 locomotives—34 from the Chesapeake and Ohio and 33 from the Baltimore and Ohio—into GP30M variants between 1981 and 1983, focusing on component refreshes including new traction motors to enhance performance and extend usability while to 2,000 horsepower. Technical modifications varied by program: the BN GP39E and ATSF GP30u involved swapping the original 16-567D3 for 12-645 series variants (2,300 for BN, 2,500 for ATSF), along with upgrades to alternators and traction systems for better power delivery and reduced wear; the Chessie GP30M retained an upgraded 16-567D3 derated to 2,000 horsepower for . Improved trucks, often with revised gearing and suspension, further enhanced stability and on varied rail networks across these programs. The Soo Line Railroad rebuilt three GP30s into GP30C units in the 1990s, replacing the EMD engine with Caterpillar 3516 diesels rated at 2,000 horsepower. More recent initiatives include BNSF's second-phase rebuild program, completed in the early 2020s, which addressed emissions compliance on surviving GP30-derived units through added control systems and component overhauls, ensuring ongoing viability under regulatory standards. Smaller shortline operators, such as the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad, conducted targeted overhauls in the 2010s on their GP30 rosters to maintain operational readiness for local freight service. These efforts have prolonged the of GP30s by two to three decades beyond their original design expectancy, with rebuilt examples powering BNSF mainline duties and numerous short lines as of 2025, thereby minimizing retirements and disposals. While some GP30B prime movers were harvested for A-unit rebuilds, no parallel rebuild programs were applied to the cabless booster units themselves.

Preservation

Static Preservation

Several EMD GP30 locomotives have been preserved as static displays in museums across , representing the model's role in the transition to second-generation diesel power during the early . As of 2025, approximately 15 to 20 units remain in non-operational preservation, primarily acquired from major U.S. railroads during fleet retirements in the and , with a few additions into the early . These exhibits often feature cosmetic restorations to original paint schemes, highlighting the locomotive's distinctive high-short-hood design and 2,250 horsepower output that bridged first- and second-generation diesels. No significant new static preservations have been reported since 2024. Prominent examples include No. 2233 (originally No. 2233), cosmetically restored in Conrail blue and housed at the in , emphasizing the PRR's adoption of the GP30 for freight duties in the Northeast. Additional static units include & No. 3011 at the in , and Wisconsin Central No. 715 at the in , both restored to their original liveries to illustrate regional freight operations. These preserved GP30s serve as educational exhibits on the of diesel-electric , particularly EMD's innovations in turbocharging and hood that improved reliability and over earlier models like the GP20. By focusing on major railroads such as the PRR and D&RGW, the displays underscore the GP30's widespread deployment in transitioning U.S. railroading from and first-generation diesels to more efficient second-generation fleets.

Operational Examples

Several EMD GP30 locomotives remain in operational condition for heritage and tourist operations, primarily at museums and short-line excursions where they power educational trips and fan events. As of 2025, approximately a dozen GP30s are maintained in running condition across U.S. tourist lines, an increase driven by volunteer restoration efforts, with no new acquisitions reported this year. Prominent examples include Soo Line No. 700, preserved at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in , and utilized on the affiliated Scenic Railroad. Built in 1963, this unit was restored to operating condition in 2005 following its donation by Canadian National in 2001, and has been active since the 2010s for pulling excursion trains along 's north shore, including the popular Duluth Zephyr service. Baltimore & Ohio No. 6944, built in , is operational at the in , , where it pulls short excursion trains following restoration to its original B&O . This unit showcases the class's service on the B&O during the and . Southern Railway No. 2594, built in and owned by the Southeastern Railway Museum, is on lease and operational at the in , powering excursions such as the Missionary Ridge Local. Another key operational unit is former Union Pacific No. 844, a 1962-built GP30 now owned by the Nevada State Railroad Museum in . Donated by Union Pacific in 1989 after retirement, it was refurbished in original colors and serves occasional tourist runs on the museum's Nevada Southern Railway, including cab rides and short excursions through desert landscapes. This locomotive gained historical note for its numbering conflict with UP's famous , leading to temporary renumbering of the latter. Additional running examples include No. 902, restored in 2021 and operational at the Scenic Railway in , where it supports heritage passenger services following a comprehensive overhaul by the Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, and & Western No. 522 at the of Transportation in , used for occasional excursions. These units typically undergo periodic maintenance to meet (FRA) regulations for heritage operations, such as engine inspections and component refreshes using surplus parts from the 16-567D3 family, though sourcing remains challenging due to the model's age. These operational GP30s are employed for short-distance excursions, educational parades, and photography charters, emphasizing the locomotive's role in mid-20th-century railroading. In contrast, static displays of non-running GP30s, such as those at various regional museums, complement these active efforts by providing interpretive exhibits without motive power.

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