The EMD SW1

The EMD SW1 was the second model produced in the SW switcher series and the last built by the Electro-Motive Corporation before it became an official division of General Motors. As with the NW2 model built during the same time period, the SW1 was very popular with railroads selling well over 600 examples although it never sold quite as well as its counterpart. Today, this little switcher, just as with the NW2, continues to soldier on in all types of applications from use on shortlines and industrial services as well as pulling excursion and tourist trains. Even the very first SW1 built in early 1939 remains preserved at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. As of today, there are more than two dozen SW1s officially preserved although as more are retired from freight service this list will certainly grow.

The corresponding numbers that followed in later models simply regarded their place in the series. Of course, under GM, ownership some of these designations changed but in general stayed the same. The EMD SW1 was the second model in the series and while it also featured a 600 horsepower prime mover (using the new GM six-cylinder model 567, and later the 567A), the "SW" designation of future models was in name only (the "S" would come to denote "switcher"), as just the later SW600 featured 600 hp (most were more powerful). The unit retained EMC's signature short carbody of just 44-feet with tapering just short of the cab.

Once again, as with the NW2 released that year, the SW1 featured GM's own model D37 traction motors and not those built by General Electric (which was used on early EMC switchers). Even at the early date GE was now a competitor to EMD through its affiliation with the American Locomotive Company (Alco). Up to that time, the SW1 offered some of the highest tractive effort for an EMD/EMC switcher; 49,500 pounds starting effort and 34,000 pounds continuous. Interestingly, the SW1 was even lighter than the NW2, at just a paltry 99 tons! One noticeable difference of the SW1s compared to similar models was its short, "porches" at the front and aft ends of the locomotive.

Production of the EMD SW1 ran between the early winter of 1939 and November, 1953. Due to their flexibility, reliability, and a cheap price tag numerous Class Is and shortlines purchased the model with some 661 in total built. Just as with many other models, it also found a lot of interest with industries (like Wheeling Steel, Warner Sand and Gravel, Republic Steel, and others) and even the U.S. Army bought four models. Two years after the SW1 was developed, EMC and the Winton Engine Company became an official division of General Motors on January 1, 1941. Today, just as with the NW2, the EMD SW1 has stood the test of time and remains in operation in several different applications from shortlines to excursion trains. For technical data regarding the EMD SW1 please click here. Also, for a list of preserved SW1s please click here. Lastly, for information about EMD's various switchers please refer to the chart below.

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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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