The all-time Illinois Central diesel roster was mostly comprised of EMD models although the railroad did have locomotives from Alco, GE, and even a few from Baldwin. For a complete/all-time Illinois Central diesel roster please click here. This list of surviving IC 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 IC colors this does not necessarily mean that they are of IC heritage (and likewise, some locomotives may be of IC heritage that are not in IC colors).
Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
· EMD SW1 #9014: Preserved by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum as Westvaco #4800.
· EMD GP7 #8950: Privately owned and preserved as IC #8950.
· EMD GP11 #9386: Preserved by the Monticello Railway Museum as IC #8733.
Also, it should be noted that many former Illinois Central 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. This is the main reason why you do not see more IC units preserved, yet. Since the IC's fleet was predominantly EMD and GE power, particularly second-generation locomotives, they remain in daily revenue service with freight railroads. 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 Illinois Central 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".
