[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 locomotive is notable for its use of freight car trucks that are driven by cardan shafts and two traction motors attached to the underframe.

[1] Late model GA8 locomotives were equipped with an 8-567E prime mover which is a 645 block (introduced in 1965) fitted with 567 power assemblies.

[1] The EMD GL8 is a derivative design introduced in 1960 that is similar to the GA8 but uses standard B-B or A1A-A1A trucks and was equipped with multiple unit capability.

The EMD GA8 prototype demonstrator unit was built in late 1958 or early 1959 [3] and export customer production commenced in 1960.