The Great Northern diesel roster was predominantly comprised of EMDs although it also included models from Alco, Baldwin, and General Electric. For a complete/all-time Great Northern diesel roster please click here. This list of surviving GN diesel locomotives will be categorized by original numbers the railroad assigned its units and where they are today, whether in operation, cosmetically restored, or in some state of preservation at railroad museums and tourist railroads. Also, just as something to keep in mind if you are not aware, while some locomotives may be painted/preserved in GN colors this does not necessarily mean that they are of GN heritage (and likewise, some locomotives may be of Erie heritage that are not in GN colors).
Of all the railroads James J. Hill owned or controlled in some way, the Great Northern Railway is by far his greatest masterpiece earning him the legendary nickname of Empire Builder. Under his tenor the railroad would stretch from the Midwest to Pacific Coast and of all the Northwestern roads the GN was by far the strongest and most respected. Even after 30+ years of being gone the railroad still holds strong influences and memories from its Empire Builder passenger train and prominent dark green, orange, and yellow livery to its beloved mascot and emblem, Rocky the mountain goat (a common animal to the Rocky Mountains).
American Locomotive Company (Alco)
· Alco RS3 #229: On display in Schenectady, New York as GN #229.
Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
· EMD F7A #247B: Privately owned as GN #247B.
· EMD F7A #454A: Preserved by the Minnesota Transportation Museum as GN #454A.
· EMD F7B #455B: Preserved by the Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum as BC Rail RCC10.
· EMD SD45 #400: Preserved by the Lake Superior Museum of Transportation as GN #400.
Also, it should be noted that some former Great Northern switcher and road units continue to remain in some state of operation and in active revenue service with Class Is, Regionals, shortlines, or leasing companies. To learn more about the disposition of these locomotives please click here to visit The Diesel Shop.
While this list will continually be updated it certainly does not completely cover every surviving unit, which was on the Great Northern diesel roster. So, if you know of any other survivors out there, whether they are parked and gleaming in a museum or sitting out in the weeds along a forgotten siding please let me know so we can keep this list growing, and you will be given full credit for your help. For more information on the all types of classic diesel locomotives consider the book The American Diesel Locomotive from author Brian Solomon. The book studies everything from classic to newer diesel locomotive models. In the entire book is a great resource and you shouldn’t be disappointed with it, not to mention that it is loaded with photos (many in color)! If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".
