The Louisville and Nashville diesel roster was mostly a mix of EMD and Alco power with Baldwin and GE also chipping in the fleet with a few models. For a complete/all-time Louisville and Nasvhille diesel roster please click here. This list of surviving L&N 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 L&N colors this does not necessarily mean that they are of L&N heritage (and likewise, some locomotives may be of L&N heritage that are not in L&N colors).
The Louisville and Nashville, a railroad synonymous with the southern states and southeastern US, served major cities from New Orleans and Memphis to St. Louis, Atlanta, and later Chicago. The L&N is also one of the few classic fallen flags to never have had its original chartered name changed at any point throughout its history, serving its home state and the southeast for over 120 years known as simply the Louisville & Nashville. While the railroad would become part of the burgeoning CSX system it was a highly respected and well-known transportation company for much of its existence.
American Locomotive Company (Alco)
· Alco C420 #1310: Preserved by the Southern Applachia Railway Museum as L&N #1310.
· Alco C420 #1315: Owned by Vintage Locomotives, Inc.
· Alco FA-2: Preserved by the Anthracite Railroad Historical Society as LV #596.
· Alco FA-2 #314: Preserved by the Illinois Railway Museum as L&N #314.
Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
· EMC SW1 #13: Preserved in Foley, Alabama as L&N #13.
· EMC SW1 #14: In operation on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad as #705.
· EMD E6A #770: Preserved by the Kentucky Railroad Museum as L&N #770.
· EMD GP7 #405: Preserved by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum as L&N #405.
General Electric (BE)
· GE U25B #1616: Preserved by the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum as L&N #1616.
Also, it should be noted that some former L&N 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 Louisville and Nashville 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 reading on the L&N consider the book History of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad by Maury Klein. With over 500 pages the book covers in vivid detail the entire history of the L&N, from its earliest days to final years under the Seaboard System and eventually part of CSX. The book is certainly a must for anyone with a deep interest in the railroad.
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.