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The Jersey Central Diesel Roster

The Jersey Central diesel roster was a mix of EMD, Baldwin, Alco, and Fairbanks-Morse power although in later years the railroad stuck with EMD. For a complete/all-time Jersey Central diesel roster please click here. This list of surviving CNJ 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 CNJ colors this does not necessarily mean that they are of CNJ heritage (and likewise, some locomotives may be of CNJ heritage that are not in CNJ colors).

The Central Railroad of New Jersey has gone by a number of different names from CRRNJ and CNJ to Jersey Central and the aforementioned. Regardless of its many names the CNJ was a New Jersey institution for years although it was only regional in operation and was, at its peak, only 711 miles in length.

The Jersey Central served much of New Jersey along with northwestern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. via a partnership with the B&O. The demise of the CNJ was the result of a number of factors including a region too saturated with railroads, stiff government regulation, and markets already served by more efficient competitors (such as the Penn Central). However, for all of these setbacks it did not help that the railroad was taxed so stiffly by the State of New Jersey that this also ultimately led to the railroad’s bankruptcy and inclusion into Conrail in 1976.

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

· Alco RS3 #1554: Preserved by the Hawk Mountain Chapter of National Railroad Historical Society as CNJ #1554.

The Budd Company

· Budd RDC-1 (Rail Diesel Car): Preserved by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad as M-3, it was purchased second-hand by the CNJ from the New York, Susquehanna & Western (original owner).

Electro-Motive Division (EMD)

· EMD GP7 #1521: Preserved at the National Transportation Museum as CNJ #1521.

· EMD GP7 #1523: Preserved at the United Historical Railroad Museum as CNJ #1523.

· EMD GP7 #1524: Preserved at the United Historical Railroad Museum as CNJ #1524.

Also, it should be noted that some former Jersey 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. 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 Jersey 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".

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