The EMD F3

The EMD F3 was one of the most successful cab units the builder ever produced with upwards of 2,000 A and B units constructed by the time production ended on the model. The F3 could be found in operation on virtually all of the largest Class I railroads at the time and along with the FT and F7 virtually extinguished the use of steam locomotives in main line freight service (this would all but be completed with the 1949 release of the GP7). Visually, the F3 varied little from the F2 (which was actually built a year after the F3 began production) with the primary difference between the two being upgraded internal components. Interestingly, there were a number of different design changes to the F3 over the years. However, the Electro-Motive Division did not change the name of the model during this time although railfans have come to identify these changes with the term phases (and the "F5" variant). Despite the fact that more than 1,800 F3s were constructed only around a dozen remain preserved.

At the time of the F3's production the industry did not yet fully know the benefits of six-axle (C-C trucks) locomotives, in terms of the added tractive effort and adhesion they provided. As such, during that era four-axle power was the rage and with the success of the FT model and early E series designs (for passenger service), sales for the F3 quickly took off. Being one of the most successful diesel locomotive designs of that era the EMD F3 was purchased by most of the largest Class Is at the time. Over its four year production run the model saw slight changes to its carbody five different times. However, for the most part it was identical to the F2 with its most distinguishing feature being its large number boards. As mentioned above, these changes were not directly denoted by EMD, who simply kept track of serial numbers as new models rolled off the line.

The EMD F3 was the first to see buyers from Canada when the Canadian National Railway purchased 4 As and 2 Bs. Additionally, Grand Trunk Western bought 22 A units. Some of the American lines to purchase the F3 included the Aberdeen & Rockfish, Atlantic Coast Line, Baltimore & Ohio, Boston & Maine, Milwaukee Road, Erie, Great Northern, Burlington, Union Pacific (who purchased the most, 89 As and 90 Bs), Western Maryland, Southern Pacific, Soo Line, Southern, Pennsylvania, Missouri Pacific, Katy, Lehigh Valley, and so forth. If you would like to see an all-time listing of F3s purchased please click here. Also, for technical data regarding the EMD F3 please click here. Finally, for information about EMD's F series please refer to the chart below.

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Electro-Motive Division F-Series Locomotives

You might want to also consider the book EMD Locomotives from author Brian Solomon. Solomon's book highlights the history of EMD from its earliest beginnings in the 1920s, to its phenomenal successes in the mid-20th century, and finally its decline into second spot behind General Electric in the late 20th century and eventual sale by General Motors in 2005. The book features 176 pages of EMD history and is filled with excellent photography and illustrations. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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