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The Maine Central Diesel Roster

The Maine Central diesel roster was a mix of most Alco, GM (EMD), and General Electric products although EMD tended to make up the bulk of the roster, particularly with second-generation power. For a complete/all-time Maine Central diesel roster please click here. This list of surviving MEC 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 MEC colors this does not necessarily mean that they are of MEC heritage (and likewise, some locomotives may be of MEC heritage that are not in Erie colors).

The Maine Central Railroad Railroad was a carrier similar in nature to the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad in that it served the State of Maine Central and shipped timber and agricultural products. At its height the railroad was never reached 1,000 miles in length but it did serve the important coastal industries of southern Maine as well as central New Hampshire, and eastern Vermont. Until its 1980 buyout by Guilford the MEC continued to be a reliable and efficient transportation artery for the region it served.

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

· Alco S1 #954: In operation on the Berkshire Scenic Railway #954.

· Alco S1 #958: In operation on the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

· Alco S1 #959: In operation on the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

· Alco RS3 #557: Preserved by the Railroad Museum of New England as MEC #557.

Electro-Motive Division (EMD)

· EMD GP7m #571: Preserved by the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society as Guilford #471.

· EMD GP7 #573: Preserved and in operation on the Conway Scenic Railroad as MEC #573.

General Electric (GE)

· GE 44-tonner #15: In operation on the Conway Scenic Railroad as #15.

Also, it should be noted that some former Maine Central switcher and road units continue to remain in some state of operation and in active revenue service with Class I Kansas City Southern and some shortlines and Regionals. To learn more about the disposition of these locomotives please click here.

While this list will continually be updated it certainly does not completely cover every surviving unit, which was on the Maine 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 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.

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