EMC "EA," "E1," "E2" Locomotives: Data, Specs, Roster
Last revised: November 5, 2024
By: Adam Burns
Electro-Motive's original EA was built for the Baltimore & Ohio in
the mid-1930s. The "E" series was introduced by the Electro-Motive
Corporation and carried on, quite successfully, under General Motors as a singular diesel locomotive which was not semi-permanently coupled to a trainset (such as the Zephyrs or UP's M-10000).
The B&O ultimately came to own about a dozen of the new, streamlined diesels, which had yet to be a proven replacement for steam.
Other railroads went on to purchase these very early Electro-Motive passenger designs included the Union Pacific and Santa Fe.
The units were a vastly different from the standard of the day, utilitarian steam locomotives and heavyweight cars that provided neither streamlining nor color.
History
Ultimately, diesels proved quite successful, particularly after the FT demonstrator set hit the rails in 1939.
The EAs remained in use on the B&O for many years before being retired and today, one remains preserved, #51 at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore. It has since been cosmetically restored to its as-delivered appearance.
Photos
Southern Pacific E2A #6011-A is seen here between assignments at Ogden, Utah in August of 1949. In the background is 4-8-2 #4356 (MT-4). The diesel began its career as SF-1 powering the "City of San Francisco." It was rebuilt a few years after this photo was taken at the railroad's Los Angeles Shops (with help from Electro-Motive) into an E7A and given #6017. Guy Dunscomb photo.At the time the EA was constructed Electro-Motive was still a mostly independent company, although it had been purchased by GM in 1930 (it became an official division of the automaker in early 1941).
The EA (E, which stood for Eighteen hundred horsepower) carried two 900-horsepower, 12-cylinder 201-A Winton engines and the first buyers of these models were the B&O and Santa Fe (while mechanically the same the AT&SF's units were classified as E1s).
It did not take long after the EA's debut for the industry to realize the success of the locomotives. With the onset of World War II diesel locomotive construction was restricted during wartime but the EA, E1, and E2 had been in service long enough for railroads to witness their capabilities.
Essentially, the EA utilized the mechanics of the builder's passenger boxcab diesel it had built a few years earlier in 1935.
A1A-A1A Trucks
The basic difference was that the EA came packaged in a stunning, streamlined carbody with a shoveled nose, a trademark of later models.
While the EA itself came equipped with 1,800 horsepower, EMC also manufactured a cabless "B" unit known as an EB, which doubled its total output to 3,600 horsepower.
Overall the EA featured an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement (whereby the center axle of the three was unpowered) using four General Motors' model D7 traction motors; coupled with a weight of 150 tons and overall length of 69-feet the EA could produce a continuous tractive effort of 31,000 pounds and top speed of nearly 120 mph.
In the end the B&O came to own six EAs and six EBs, which were originally used to power its most prestigious passenger trains such as the Capitol Limited, National Limited, and Royal Blue.
Santa Fe 4-8-2 #3749 and E1A #9 at the Redondo Junction engine terminal in Los Angeles in 1939. Russ Cole photo. American-Rails.com collection.During the same period (1937 and 1938) Electro-Motive also developed similar models for the Santa Fe and Union Pacific.
The Santa Fe's locomotives, used on its new streamlined trains between Chicago and Los Angeles (the Super Chief, for instance) were dubbed E1s and inwardly and outwardly were essentially identical to the B&O's EA model. The AT&SF came to own 8 E1As and 3 E1Bs.
The Union Pacific's model was known as the E2 and varied slightly from the EA and E1 in that its carbody styling featured a more pronounced and beveled front nose with no tapering or "slanted" appearance.
The UP's E2 also differed in that they were somewhat built as matching A-B-B sets (although they were not semi-permanently coupled), in which the railroad came to own two such designs.
Combined the A-B-B set could produce 5,400 horsepower, with each unit again able to produce 1,800 horsepower using two Winton 201-A prime movers (900 horsepower each).
Data Sheets
EA, E1
| Entered Production | 5/1937 (Baltimore & Ohio EA #51) |
| Years Produced | 5/1937 - 6/1938 |
| U.S. Design Patent (Carbody) | D106,918* |
| Engine | 201-A (2) |
| Engine Builder | Winton |
| Horsepower | 1800 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Length (EA) | 69' 1" |
| Length (E1) | 70' |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 15' |
| Width | 10' 3" |
| Weight | 300,000 Lbs (A Units): 290,000 Lbs (B Units) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,200 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WBO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | HSC |
| Trucks | A1A |
| Truck Type | Blomberg |
| Truck Wheelbase | 14' 1" |
| Wheel Size | 36" |
| Steam Generator Manufacturer | Vapor-Clarkson |
| Steam Generator Capacity | 1200 Lbs/Hr |
| Traction Motors | Westinghouse |
| Primary Generator | Westinghouse/GE |
| Auxiliary Generator | Westinghouse/GE |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 52:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 56,500 Lbs at 25% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 31,000 Lbs at 11 mph |
| Top Speed | 116 mph |
* Filed on June 24, 1937.
E2
| Entered Production | 5/1937 (Baltimore & Ohio EA #51) |
| Years Produced | 5/1937 - 6/1938 |
| U.S. Design Patent (Carbody) | D106,918* |
| Engine | 201-A (2) |
| Engine Builder | Winton |
| Horsepower | 1800 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Length (E2A) | 69' 6" |
| Length (E2B) | 70' 0" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 13' 11" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Roof Horn) | 15' 0" |
| Width | 10' 3" (Outside Grab Irons) |
| Weight | 300,000 Lbs (A Units): 290,000 Lbs (B Units) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,200 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WBO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | HSC |
| Trucks | A1A |
| Truck Type | Blomberg |
| Truck Wheelbase | 14' 1" |
| Wheel Size | 36" |
| Steam Generator Manufacturer | Vapor-Clarkson |
| Steam Generator Capacity | 1200 Lbs/Hr |
| Traction Motors | Westinghouse |
| Primary Generator | Westinghouse/GE |
| Auxiliary Generator | Westinghouse/GE |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 52:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 56,500 Lbs at 25% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 31,000 Lbs at 11 mph |
| Top Speed | 116 mph |
Production Rosters
EA
Total Built = 6
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore & Ohio | 51 | 666 | E145 | 5/1937 | 1 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 52 | 668 | E145 | 6/1937 | 1 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 53-54 | 765-766 | E188 | 1/1938 | 2 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 55 | 767 | E190 | 6/1938 | 1 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 56 | 800 | E190 | 6/1938 | 1 |
EB
Total Built = 6
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore & Ohio | 51 | 667 | E146 | 5/1937 | 1 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 52 | 669 | E146 | 6/1937 | 1 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 53-54 | 768-769 | E189 | 1/1938 | 2 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 55 | 770 | E191 | 6/1938 | 1 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 56 | 801 | E191 | 6/1938 | 1 |
E1A
Total Built = 8
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2A | 662 | E181 | 6/1937 | 1 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 3, 5-8, 4, 9 | 791-797 | E181 | 1/1938 - 4/1938 | 7 |
E1B
Total Built = 3
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 2B | 663 | E183 | 6/1937 | 1 |
| Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe | 3A - 4A | 798-799 | E183 | 1/1938, 3/1938 | 2 |
E2A
Total Built = 2
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Pacific/Chicago & North Western | LA1 | 741 | E157 | 10/1937 | 1 |
| Union Pacific/Southern Pacific/Chicago & North Western | SF1 | 744 | E162 | 12/1937 | 1 |
E2B
Total Built = 4
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Pacific/Chicago & North Western | LA2-LA3 | 742-743 | E158 | 10/1937 | 2 |
| Union Pacific/Southern Pacific/Chicago & North Western | SF2-SF3 | 745-746 | E163 | 12/1937 | 2 |
Santa Fe E1A #7 at the Redondo Junction engine facility in Los Angeles in 1939. Russ Cole photo. American-Rails.com collection.The UP's two sets were dubbed SF (1, 2, and 3) and LA (1, 2, and 3) for the passenger trains they powered (the City of San Francisco and City of Los Angeles).
The EMC EA, E1, and E2 were the only such models in the series to use the Winton Engine Company's model 201-A as future designs, starting with the E3, employed General Motors' much more reliable and rugged model 567 prime mover.
Perhaps most importantly these early passenger models saw a significant change in how future locomotives were built with less of an emphasis on custom building (as was the case with steam) and more of a focus on a mass-produced, assembly-line scale which greatly reducing their cost.
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
Recent Articles
-
Georgia Independence Day Train Rides
May 24, 26 12:26 PM
As the 4th of July approaches in 2026, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia, invites you to celebrate America in true patriotic style aboard its Firecracker Special. -
Illinois Independence Day Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:58 AM
As America gears up for the 4th of July in 2026, the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) in Union, Illinois, offers the perfect blend of patriotic festivities, family-friendly excitement, and living railroa… -
Alabama Independence Day Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:55 AM
For those seeking a unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July, Alabama offers a distinctive experience: honoring veterans and active military personnel on Independence Day by train. -
Ohio Independence Day Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:47 AM
In this guide, we will explore some of the best Independence Day train ride experiences available in Ohio. -
Alabama 'Wild West' Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:45 AM
Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round. -
Missouri 'Wild West' Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:29 AM
In Missouri, a state rich in history and natural beauty, you can experience the thrill of a bygone era through the scenic and immersive Wild West train rides. -
Indiana 'Wild West' Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:27 AM
Indiana offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the Wild West through its captivating train rides. -
Independence Day Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
May 24, 26 11:25 AM
Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, barbecues, and parades, but there's another unique way to experience the spirit of freedom: train rides. -
Illinois 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:23 AM
If you're in Illinois and searching for something distinctive, consider taking your dad on a train ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Prairie State. -
Florida 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 24, 26 11:21 AM
For those looking for something a little different this year, why not consider celebrating dad on Father's Day by train? -
South Dakota 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:51 PM
While the 1880 Train's regular runs are a treat in any season, the Oktoberfest Express adds an extra layer of fun: German-inspired food, seasonal beer, and live polka set against the sound and spectac… -
Michigan 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:49 PM
If you’re looking for a pure slice of autumn in West Michigan, the Coopersville & Marne Railway (C&M) has a themed excursion that fits the season perfectly: the Oktoberfest Exp… -
Indiana 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:47 PM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Maryland 'Ice Cream' Tasting Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:46 PM
Among WMSR's shorter outings, one event punches well above its “simple fun” weight class: the Ice Cream Train. -
Colorado 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:43 PM
With its rugged mountains, rich railroading history, and picturesque landscapes, Colorado sets the perfect stage for a memorable Father's Day outing aboard a vintage train. -
California 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:41 PM
Celebrate and honor dad by train on a scenic rail experience! Find out which locations in California host these unique trips. -
Kentucky 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:40 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Florida 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 11:56 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Southern 2-8-2 4501 Debuts In "Virginia Green"
May 23, 26 11:54 AM
Southern Railway 2-8-2 #4501 debuted in its return to Virginia Green at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum today, May 23, 2026. -
NS Unveils First America250 Locomotive: 1776, "The Bell"
May 22, 26 11:15 PM
On May 22, 2026 Norfolk Southern unveiled its first in the America250 heritage locomotives series, 1776, "The Bell". -
Reading & Northern Issues Safety Directive Ahead Of 4014 Visit
May 22, 26 12:01 PM
With thousands of tickets sold for its upcoming series of Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration excursions, Reading & Northern Railroad is also anticipating thousands more trackside spectators to bear… -
Ohio 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:36 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:31 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Alabama 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:29 AM
Alabama, with its rich railway heritage and scenic countryside, is a wonderful way to experience by train. One location even hosts a special trip for Father's Day! -
North Carolina 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:26 AM
Celebrating dad on a scenic train in North Carolina can be found at the New Hope Valley Railway which hosts a special event for the day. -
Texas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:25 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New York 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:22 AM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
The Spirit of America: George H.W. Bush’s 1992 Campaign Train
May 22, 26 11:11 AM
In the fading days of summer 1992, President George H. W. Bush embarked on a classic American political tradition: the whistle-stop tour. -
Burlington Northern Timetables (May, 1972)
May 21, 26 11:56 PM
Presented here is the Burlington Northern's condensed freight timetables from the May, 1972 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Whiskey Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 21, 26 11:12 PM
These rides across the United States offer a sensory journey through lush landscapes and historical corridors, often pairing scenic vistas with curated whiskey tastings. -
Father's Day Train Ride Locations (2026)
May 21, 26 10:54 PM
Celebrate dad by train! Several heritage railroads and museums host trips honoring dads. Learn more about which locations offer such excursions. -
The Chessie Safety Express: Steam-Powered Advocacy for Railroad Safety
May 21, 26 10:44 PM
In the fall of 1980, a gleaming Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) 4-8-4 steam locomotive named No. 614 thundered across the rails of the Chessie System, pulling a colorful consist of passenger cars filled with… -
Frankfort and Cincinnati Railroad: "The Kentucky Midland Route"
May 21, 26 06:08 PM
The Frankfort & Cincinnati was a small shortline located in north-central Kentucky that was known as "The Whiskey Route" for the many distilleries it served. The F&C shutdown in 1985. -
North Carolina 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:43 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Connecticut 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ & Bour… -
Kansas "Dinner" Train Rides From Abilene
May 21, 26 12:37 PM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Vermont "Dinner" Train Rides At Burlington
May 21, 26 12:34 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:24 PM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Massachusetts "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:16 PM
The Cape Cod Central is the one location in the state hosting an event just for dads, a special brunch train. Learn more here! -
Historic Steam Locomotive Heads To Charleston For America250 Exhibit
May 21, 26 11:58 AM
A rare piece of West Virginia industrial history, an 0-4-0F fireless steam locomotive by H.K. Porter in 1945, is being installed near the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in Charleston as part of a… -
Connecticut 'Dinner' Train Rides At Essex
May 20, 26 11:55 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Arkansas 'Dinner 'Train Rides On The A&M
May 20, 26 11:54 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
Illinois 'Dinner' Train Rides At The MRM
May 20, 26 11:52 AM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
California 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:51 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Michigan 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:50 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:48 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Texas & Pacific Railway Timetables (September, 1937)
May 20, 26 11:10 AM
Featured here is the Texas & Pacific's timetables and system map from the September, 1937 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Norfolk Southern Unveils America250 Locomotive Series
May 20, 26 10:30 AM
Norfolk Southern has rolled out a bold new commemorative series to mark America’s 250th anniversary (the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026). -
The Nebraska Zephyr: Burlington's Lincoln Service
May 20, 26 09:49 AM
ntroduced in 1947, the Nebraska Zephyr provided fast, stylish daylight service between Chicago, Illinois, and Lincoln, Nebraska (via Omaha), covering 551 miles (887 km) in under 10 hours at an average… -
Colorado & Southern Timetables (March, 1940)
May 19, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Colorado & Southern's timetables from the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."
.%20The%20diesel%20began%20its%20career%20as%20SF-1%20powering%20the%20%22City%20of%20San%20Francisco.%22%20It%20was%20rebuilt%20a%20few%20years%20after%20this%20photo%20was%20taken%20at%20the%20railroad's%20Los%20Angeles%20Shops%20(with%20help%20from%20Electro-Motive)%20into%20an%20E7A%20and%20given%20%236017.%20Guy%20Dunscomb%20photo.){kind=link}
