The Jersey Central Diesel Roster

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.

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

· 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).

· 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.

For more information on the all types of classic diesel locomotives consider Mike Schafer’s Vintage Diesel Locomotives which looks at virtually all of the classic builders and models from Alco PAs to early EMD Geeps. If you’re interested in classic FMs, or diesels in general, this book gives an excellent general history of both.

You may also want to consider the book Evolution of the American Diesel Locomotive by author J. Parker Lamb. As the title implies the book looks at the history and development of the diesel locomotives, covering 200 pages, from its earliest beginnings to the newest designs and models operated today. 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.