1. Home
    2.  ›
  2. Diesel Locomotives
    3.  ›
  3. SW1200

EMD "SW1200" Locomotives: Data, Specs, Roster

Last revised: January 10, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The SW1200 was pinnacle of Electro-Motive's switcher line featuring its 567 power plant.  It was the final model to feature the engine and also the most successful with a total of 1,039 units produced between 1954 and 1966.

EMD's system for designating its switchers was not consistent, particularly in the early years, which makes deciphering each models' lettering and numbering somewhat difficult.

However, the SW1200 was a straightforward moniker with "SW" denoting "switcher" and 1,200 the horsepower rating.  Once more, EMD enjoyed strong sales with this model as a variety of railroads and private industries purchased the locomotive. 

Today, just as with virtually every other model in the series, SW1200's can continue to be found hauling freight for short lines and used in industrial settings, along with also pulling excursion trains. 

Photos

Penn Central SW1200 #9199, still in its New Haven paint (built as #659) lays over in Maybrook, New York in the fall of 1970. Note Penn Central U25B #2672 in the background, also still in its New Haven paint (built as #2512). American-Rails.com collection.

Overview

The SW1200 began production in January, 1954 around the same time as its less powerful counterpart, the SW900. The model used EMD's 567C prime mover.

The 12-cylinder engine could produce a hefty 1,200 horsepower, which proved a strong selling point.  At this rating the locomotive could be used in either switching work or even light freight duties.  This latter ability was further enhanced by optional MU capabilities.

Using General Motors' newer model D37B traction motor the SW1200 could produce a respectable 36,000 pounds of continuous tractive effort and overall weighed just over 122-tons.  

Baltimore & Ohio SW1200 #9618 wearing the Chessie System livery is seen here at Parkersburg, West Virginia on October 13, 1976. American-Rails.com collection.

Sales for the SW1200 quickly took off and with the builder's reputation at the time as the best locomotive manufacturer on the market, sales remained steady through the 1950s and even into the 1960s.

Just as with other SW series models, numerous Class Is, short lines, and private industries purchased the switcher.  In his book, "Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2," Bob Hayden notes the SW1200 offered a variety of options including MU (as previously mentioned), sealed-beam headlight, additional rotating headlight, Flexicoil trucks, larger fuel tank, dynamic brakes, and dual controls.

Rio Grande SW1200 #135 lays over in Salt Lake City, Utah, circa 1975. Robert Eastwood, Jr. photo. American-Rails.com collection.

After EMD released the SW9 it abandoned cataloging its cow/calf TR series although it contemplated doing so with the SW900 of 1953 but ultimately decided against doing so.

In any event, the SW1200 would also not be offered in a cow/calf variant mostly because interest in the setup had waned following the SW9.

Domestic production on the switcher continued through May, 1966 and when the last unit was outshopped some 733 units (including a Great Northern rebuild) had been produced in the United States while another 274 were built by General Motors Diesel of London, Ontario (sometimes referred to as the SW1200RS).

99123842365723578238962871389609.jpgMilwaukee Road SW1200 #711 (built as #2037) - the only switcher to wear the company's "Milwaukee II" livery - works the Miller Job at the Muskego Yard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during March, 1985. R.W. Brown photo. American-Rails.com collection.

There were also another 32 units built for export in South and Central America including Brazil, Panama, and Chile.

Beginning with the SW1000, EMD swapped engines for the newer model 645 prime mover.  In doing so the builder changed the carbody by featuring a hood with harder lines and less beveling, wider cab, and higher profile for improved visibility. 

Data Sheet and Specifications

Entered Production1/1954 (Milwaukee Road #1637-1642)
Years Produced (U.S.)1/1954 - 5/1966
Years Produced (Canada)9/1955 - 6/1964
EMD ClassSW1200
Engine567C (12 Cylinder)
Engine BuilderEMD/GM
Horsepower1200
RPM800
Length44' 5"
Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab)14' 6 1/2"
Width9' 11 1/2"
Weight245,000 Lbs
Fuel Capacity600 Gallons
Air CompressorWXO (Gardner-Denver)
Air Brake Schedule26L (Westinghouse)
TrucksB-B
Truck TypeGRS Rigid Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-A) or Flexicoil
Truck Wheelbase8' 0"
Wheel Size40"
Traction MotorsD37B (4), EMD/GM
Traction GeneratorD15C, EMD/GM
Auxiliary GeneratorEMD/GM
MU (Multiple-Unit)Optional
Dynamic BrakesOptional
Gear Ratio62:15
Tractive Effort/Starting74,000 Lbs
Tractive Effort/Continuous36,000 Lbs at 11.0 mph
Top Speed65 mph

Production Rosters

Electro-Motive (EMD)

(Total Built = 732)

Owner Road Number Serial Number Order Number Completion Date Quantity
Milwaukee Road1637-164218758-1876342411/19546
Wabash375-37818877-1888042431/19544
Wisconsin Central (Soo Line)2120-212219085-1908742891/19553
Southern Pacific (Texas & New Orleans)113-11819486-1949142552/19546
Aliquippa & Southern12011952942826/19541
Bauxite & Northern111953042786/19541
Oliver Iron Mining Company9401953142728/19541
Aliquippa & Southern1202-120319532-1953342826/19542
Oliver Iron Mining Company941-94219534-1953542728/19542
Wheeling Steel125419536428710/19541
Oliver Iron Mining Company9431953742728/19541
Soo Line32119538428812/19541
Oliver Iron Mining Company944-94519539-1954042728/19542
Soo Line322-32419541-19543428812/19543
Coos Bay Lumber Company1201-120319661-1966342778/1954-9/19543
Milwaukee Road2048-206120041-20054428411/195414
Milwaukee Road2020-204720055-20082428611/1954-12/195428
Florida East Coast229-23520088-20094428512/19547
Soo Line325-32720108-2011042881/19553
Wisconsin Central (Soo Line)2123-212720115-2011942891/19555
Soo Line3282018242881/19551
Northern Pacific127-12920320-2032242907/1955-8/19553
Northern Pacific119-12120328-2033042913/19553
Northern Pacific122-12520331-2033442923/19554
Northern Pacific1262033542933/19551
Weyerhaeuser Timber3042035442942/19551
Chicago & Illinois Midland182036342954/19551
Wheeling Steel1250, 1255-125720364-2036742965/19554
Wheeling Steel1258-125920368-2036942995/19552
Chicago & Illinois Midland192037542954/19551
Grand Trunk Western7017-701920381-2038343004/19553
Grand Trunk Western1505-150820413-2041642705/1955-6/19554
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy9271-928020543-2055243029/1955-10/195510
Woodward Iron Company522063243078/19551
Simpson Logging Company12002063443094/19561
Simpson Logging Company12012063543405/19561
Aliquippa & Southern1204-120720636-2063943105/1955-8/19554
Tooele Valley Railway1002064043115/19551
Terminal Railroad Association Of St. Louis1219-122620656-2066343137/1955-10/19558
Illinois Terminal775-78620666-20677431611/1955-12/195512
Chicago & Illinois Midland20-2320678-20681431711/19554
Rockdale, Sandow & Southern Railroad820702431810/19551
Point Comfort & Northern Railway420703431910/19551
Ashley, Drew & Northern17621016432512/19551
Northern Pacific1302101943271/19561
Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line101-10521021-21025432812/1955-2/19565
Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line106-11521056-2106543293/1956-6/195610
Great Lakes Steel392108243325/19561
Northern Pacific133-13421100-2110143354/19562
Northern Pacific131-13221102-2110343384/19562
New Haven640-64921165-2117443341/1956-2/195610
Northern Pacific135-14021175-2118043356/1956-7/19566
Northern Pacific1412118143587/19561
Patapsco & Back Rivers125-12621242-2124343364/19562
Northern Pacific142-14421433-2143543587/19563
Bellefonte Central56242147143396/19561
New Haven650-65921473-2148243342/1956-3/195610
Aliquippa & Southern1208-121021559-2156143412/1956-4/19563
Cuyahoga Valley Railroad1280-128221598-2160043435/19563
Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England392173643446/19561
Great Lakes Steel402173743325/19561
Republic Steel Corporation8952181843499/19561
Conemaugh & Black Lick120-12121831-2183243516/19562
Patapsco & Back Rivers127-12922081-2208343549/1956-10/19563
Steelton & Highspire442208443559/19561
Great Lakes Steel41-4222085-2208643561/19572
Northern Pacific1452208943587/19561
Patapsco & Back Rivers130-13422268-2227243611/1957-4/19575
Inland Steel Corporation88-8922462-22463436510/19562
Inland Steel Corporation90-9322464-2246743682/19574
Great Northern29-3322481-2248543694/1957-5/19575
Louisville & Nashville2297-230022504-2250743662/19574
Northern Pacific1462274843732/19571
Northern Pacific147-14822749-2275043792/19572
Northern Pacific149-15022751-2275243802/19572
Northern Pacific151-16222753-2276443746/1957-7/195712
Grand Trunk Western1269-127022827-2282843764/19572
Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England40-4122903-2290443811/19572
Southern Pacific (Texas & New Orleans)123-12822906-2291143822/1957-3/19576
Aliquippa & Southern1211-121323078-2308043843/19573
Cuyahoga Valley Railroad1283-128523081-2308343853/1957-4/19573
Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England42-4323266-2326743811/19572
Wabash3792329743891/19571
Great Lakes Steel43-4423301-2330243914/19572
Baltimore & Ohio9614-962123360-2336743935/19578
Lake Superior Terminal & Transfer1052348043967/19571
Middle Electric Coal Company12012357844006/19571
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western561-56823762-2376944015/1957-6/19578
U.S. SteelSX1-SX223770-2377144028/19572
Oliver Iron Mining Company946-947946-94744048/19572
Oliver Iron Mining Company9482378544068/19571
Birmingham Southern200-20123983-2398444087/19572
Inland Steel Corporation94-9623988-2399044099/19573
Northern Pacific163-17724027-24041441012/1957-1/195815
New Orleans Public Belt71-7224063-2406444129/19572
Inland Steel Corporation97-9824090-2409144133/19582
Pennsylvania7900-793424132-24166441411/1957-4/195835
Missouri-Kansas-Texas1-624466-24471441612/19576
Colorado & Southern156-16025006-2501044252/19595
Fort Worth & Denver607-61025043-2504644263/19594
Santa Fe2439-244125224-2522675736/19593
Inland Steel Corporation103-10425353-2535444287/19602
River Terminal63-6425442, 2544944295/19592
Republic Steel Corporation36225718443512/19591
De Queen & EasternD-52573144362/19601
Grand Trunk Western1511-151925743-2575144373/19609
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern300-30725847-2585444395/1960-6/19608
Inland Steel Corporation105-10625913-2591444287/19602
West Virginia Northern522603344408/19601
Chicago & North Western310-31526075-2608075937/1960-11/19606
Great Lakes Steel452615644419/19601
Great Lakes Steel4626213444310/19601
Great Lakes Steel472677944477/19611
Great Lakes Steel162713476183/19621
Chicago & North Western316-32127145-2715076202/19626
Great Lakes Steel482731244514/19621
Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern30-3127507-2750844529/19622
Missouri-Kansas-Texas43-4427800-27801763310/19622
Reserve Mining Company121227823445312/19621
Missouri Pacific1190-119927858-2786776382/1963-3/196310
Missouri Pacific1100-112527868-2789376341/1963-4/196326
Ashley, Drew & Northern1782834444556/19631
Belt Railway Of Chicago524-52623848-2835076596/1963-7/19633
Reading2715-271928412-28416766411/19635
Great Lakes Steel4928676445712/19631
Missouri Pacific1126-113328747-2875476931/1964-2/19648
Missouri Pacific1179-118928755-2876577012/1964-3/196411
Missouri Pacific1175-117828766-2876977072/19644
Missouri Pacific1263-126428770-2877177024/19642
St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt)1062-106928895-2890276961/19648
Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern32-3328933-2893444592/19642
Inland Steel Corporation107-10828935-2893644604/19642
Commonwealth Edison162913344627/19641
Kansas City Terminal70-7929239-2924844636/1964-7/196410
Terminal Railroad Association of St Louis1227-123329440-2944677406/1964-8/19647
Great Lakes Steel50-5129483-2948444657/19642
St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt)1070-107329634-29637775712/1964-2/19654
Southern Pacific1597-160629638-29647446912/1964-2/196510
Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern34-3529758-2975944705/19652
Missouri Pacific1265-127429780-2978944731/1965-3/196510
Missouri Pacific1152-116629790-2980477663/1965-4/196515
Sandersville Railroad20029888447212/19641
Terminal Railroad Association of St Louis1234-124330004-3001377794/1965-5/196510
Inland Steel Corporation109-11030014-30015778012/19642
Rio Grande130-13430016-3002044751/19655
Pacific Power & Light Company103002144761/19651
Rio Grande135-13930024-3002844751/19655
Southern Pacific1607-162330239-3025544775/1965-11/196517
Peoria & Pekin Union5003030744795/19651
Inland Steel Corporation111-11430486-3048944806/19654
Cuyahoga Valley Railroad12863049044815/19651
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac84-8530511-3051278117/19652
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac81-8330513-3051578129/19653
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy9281-928830533-3054078046/1965-7/19658
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy9289-929230541-3054444827/1965-8/19654
Rock Island920-92830638-3064644849/1965-10/19659
Great Lakes Steel52-5330738-30739448510/19652
Rock Island929-93630743-30750448410/19658
Missouri Pacific1134-114131094-3110178493/19668
Missouri Pacific (Texas & Pacific)1280-128931110-3111944913/196610
Missouri Pacific1142-115131216-3122578593/1966-5/196610
Missouri Pacific1200-1201, 1255-1259, 1275-127931226-3123744922/1966-3/196612
Missouri Pacific (Texas & Pacific)1290-129931238-3124744913/196610
St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt)2289-229331570-3157478671/1966-4/19665
Houston Belt & Terminal34-3731684-3168744934/19664
Houston Belt & Terminal333168878775/19661
050283572375276737848389390878.jpgPennsylvania SW1200 #9011 (Class ES-12) was photographed here in Columbus, Ohio, circa 1966. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.

EMD Rebuild

(Total Built = 1)

SW1200's completed from trade-in units, reusing the same serials as their predecessors.

Owner Road Number Serial Number Order Number Completion Date Heritage Quantity
Great Northern10064775202/1955Ex-Great Northern NC #5101.1

General Motors Diesel (GMD)

(Total Built = 274)

Owner Road Number Serial Number Order Number Completion Date Quantity
Canadian National1593-1594A740-A741C1919/19552
Canadian National1595-1597A742-A744C1912/19563
Canadian National1575-1592A745-A762C1903/1956-5/195618
Canadian Forest Products301-302A830-A831C1963/19562
Canadian National1227-1247A854-A874C1985/1956-9/195621
Canadian National7020-7030A875-A885C2019/1956-10/195611
Essex Terminal105A949C2103/19561
Roberval & Saguenay Railway23A976C21211/19561
Canadian National1248-1268A1020-A1040C21511/1956-3/195721
Canadian National7031-7033A1041-A1043C2161/19573
Canadian National1271-1288A1167-A1184C2288/1957-11/195718
Canadian National1289-1304A1358-A1373C2401/1958-5/195816
Canadian Pacific8100-8130A1480-A1510C2496/1958-10/195831
Canadian National1305-1337A1542-A1574C2537/1958-12/195833
Canadian Forest Products303A1715C2594/19591
Canadian Pacific8131-8146A1731-A1746C2614/1959-5/195916
Canadian National1338-1357A1788-A1807C2645/1959-7/195920
Canadian National7034-7035A1809-A1810C2657/19592
Canadian National1358-1397A1843-A1882C2734/1960-8/196040
Canadian Pacific8147-8171A1893-A1917C2757/1960-9/196025
Quebec Iron & Titanium/Chemin de fer de la Rivière Romaine (Romaine River Railway)5A1934C2825/19611
Dominion Foundries & Steel14A2047C2956/19641

Canadian units are sometimes referred to as SW1200RS, equipped with Flexicoil trucks.

Export

 (Total Built = 32)

Owner Road Number Serial Number Order Number Completion Date Quantity
Amapá Railway (Brazil)1-320008-20010701069-7010711/19553
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)911231197014532/19571
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)912-91323939-23940701647-7016489/19572
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)914251557020214/19591
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)915253577020227/19591
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)916-91725629-25630702267-70226811/1959-2/19602
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)918-91926652-26653700057-7000588/19612
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)920-92326769-26772700164-7001679/19614
Panama Canal Company (Panama)661-66327111-27113700390-7003926/1962-9/19623
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)924-92927456-27461700432-7004377/1962-8/19626
Chile Exploration Company (Chile)930-93528255-28260700637-7006423/19636
Amapá Railway (Brazil)4318387105875/19661

Sources

  • Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
  • Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
  • Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972.  Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
  • Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide.  Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
  • Solomon, Brian.  EMD Locomotives.  Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
92835273527357828963948983798459.jpgMilwaukee Road SW1200 #601 carries out switching chores at what appears to be the Bensenville, Illinois terminal on May 15, 1971. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.

Unfortunately, this 8-cylinder variant's slightly longer frame and higher cab caused clearance issues for private industries.  As a result, EMD would release an updated version, the SW1001, to correct these flaws.

The SW1200's immediate successor was the 12-cylinder SW1500, a model that continued the success of its predecessor and saw more than 800 units produced at La Grange.  Today's the powerful and versatile SW1200 is still quite common in industrial settings.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Chicago, South Shore & South Bend Railroad: "The South Shore Line"

    Oct 20, 26 05:48 PM

    0230938273472j2k60270921808.jpg
    Chicago South Shore & South Bend, the South Shore Line, from the 1901 Air Line through Samuel Insull's 1925 rebuild, the orange cars, the 800s, and the railroad NICTD and Anacostia still run.

    Read More

  2. Northwestern Virginia Railroad: Map, History, Timetable

    Oct 20, 26 04:18 PM

    09218341274615246235789324690837.jpg
    Northwestern Virginia Railroad, chartered February 14, 1851, Grafton to Parkersburg, 104 miles. Opened May 1, 1857. Foreclosure sale February 15, 1865, as the Parkersburg Branch. Twenty-three tunnels…

    Read More

  3. "Exposition Flyer" (Train): Consist, Timetable, History

    Oct 20, 26 03:29 PM

    5590osjuuq746892008579001104857.jpg
    Exposition Flyer, Chicago to Oakland, June 10, 1939 to March 20, 1949. Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific. Heavyweight cars, then diesels and a vista-dome. Replaced by the California Zephyr.

    Read More

  4. Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway, "The Omaha Road"

    Oct 20, 26 02:13 PM

    cstpmo-183.jpg
    The Omaha Road, reporting mark CMO. Formed May 26, 1880. North Western management on December 16, 1882. Leased January 1, 1957. Class K-1 No. 183 and the sublettered diesels.

    Read More

  5. Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad: Map, Rosters, History

    Oct 20, 26 01:17 PM

    379004871yi748905rtt563615.jpg
    Chicago and Western Indiana, chartered June 5, 1879. Five equal owners, Dearborn Station, and two main lines. Dolton suburban mile 16.6. Fifteen diesels. Railroad service ended in 1994. The Illinois c…

    Read More

  6. Railroad Tell-Tales: Protecting The Brakeman

    Oct 20, 26 12:58 PM

    91872481758998268030978.jpg
    Railroad tell-tales: hanging ropes that warned a man on a freight-car roof of a low bridge or tunnel. The 1897 bridge-warning report, the 1905 Wisconsin statute, retainers, and why the roof walk outla…

    Read More

  7. Chicago & North Western Steam Roster (Post 1900)

    Oct 20, 26 12:54 PM

    8290428584930395039.jpg
    Chicago & North Western steam locomotives built since 1900, and the Omaha Road list beside it. Drury's parent quantity column sums to 1,445, with four rows left blank. The Omaha Road column sums to 24…

    Read More

  8. Chicago & North Western Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 20, 26 12:49 PM

    1971284617285195891578199767966.jpg
    All-time diesel roster of the Chicago & North Western. 2,494 frames, each counted once, including Chicago Great Western, Minneapolis & St. Louis, and Omaha Road units that received North Western numbe…

    Read More

  9. Chicago and North Western Railroad: Map, History, Logo

    Oct 20, 26 12:37 PM

    46dhd22373654097411ifjeg2xcx20197.jpg
    The Chicago & North Western, chartered as the Galena & Chicago Union in 1836 and formed in June 1859. Granger railroad of the 400s, the Cowboy Line, and Powder River coal. Union Pacific common control…

    Read More

  10. Chicago & Illinois Midland Steam Roster (Post 1900)

    Oct 20, 26 12:30 AM

    680290342374623642h2u792680097.jpg
    Chicago & Illinois Midland steam locomotives built since 1900. Drury's class grid, 57 engines. Twenty-six 2-10-2s, including nine from the Wabash and nine from the Atlantic Coast Line. Last road steam…

    Read More

  11. Chicago & Illinois Midland Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 20, 26 12:20 AM

    cim-sd9s-springfield.jpg
    All-time diesel roster of the Chicago & Illinois Midland. 28 frames, each counted once. Six SW1200s, five SD9s, the only two RS1325s, two SD18s, six SD38-2s, and four SD20s. Serials included.

    Read More

  12. Chicago and Illinois Midland Railroad: Map, Rosters, History

    Oct 20, 26 12:17 AM

    0875773937100d8xv700958ty80875.jpg
    The Chicago & Illinois Midland moved Illinois coal for Commonwealth Edison, Taylorville and Springfield to Pekin, with Peoria over the Peoria & Pekin Union. The 1906 railway began operating February 1…

    Read More

  13. Chicago & Eastern Illinois Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 19, 26 04:23 PM

    5005h393j72220487696059.jpg
    All-time diesel roster of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois. 143 frames, each counted once. Switchers, F3s, FP7s, E7s, the BL1, and the GP7s through GP35s. Serials included.

    Read More

  14. Chicago & Eastern Illinois Steam Roster (Post 1900)

    Oct 19, 26 04:19 PM

    Chicago & Eastern Illinois steam locomotives built or rebuilt since 1900. 146 Consolidations, 60 Mikados, and 24 Pacifics. Drury's class grid. Last steam was Mikado 1944 at Vincennes on May 5, 1950.

    Read More

  15. Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad: Map, Rosters, History

    Oct 19, 26 03:57 PM

    8328349237852357296818276724689.jpg
    The Chicago & Eastern Illinois ran from Chicago to Evansville, St. Louis, and Thebes. First company of the name, August 28, 1877. The remainder merged into the Missouri Pacific on October 15, 1976. St…

    Read More

  16. Rock Island Diesel Roser: All-Time

    Oct 19, 26 11:05 AM

    6i120832731yu24615802p9692p7.jpg
    Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific diesel locomotives, 1,029 frames counted once. Switchers, cab units, road-switchers, two acquired slugs, five RDCs, and bi-power 10000. Serial and order are separate c…

    Read More

  17. Rock Island Steam Roster: Post 1900

    Oct 19, 26 11:01 AM

    69012581716235151y1u761086788.jpg
    Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific steam locomotives built or rebuilt since 1900. Drury's class grid, 1,482 frames counted once, including 85 4-8-4s. Last revenue steam was July 1953.

    Read More

  18. Rock Island Railroad: Map, Pictures, Logo, History

    Oct 19, 26 10:51 AM

    43415122_1999390767019517_4909020595670220800_n.jpg
    The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific ran from Chicago to the Twin Cities, Denver, Tucumcari, and the Gulf. First train October 10, 1852. Directed service ended March 23, 1980. Steam and diesel rosters…

    Read More

  19. EMD "F7" Locomotives: Cab, Top Speed, Specs, Rosters

    Oct 19, 26 12:27 AM

    f7demo.jpg
    EMD F7 cab units and boosters, 1,500 horsepower, built February 1949 through December 1953. Gear ratios, specifications, and the production roster by owner, serial, and order.

    Read More

  20. Harlem Transfer Company: An NYC Terminal System

    Oct 19, 26 12:01 AM

    7u02030925774683468u248386309709809.jpg
    Harlem Transfer Company, the Lackawanna's offline freight terminal on the Bronx side of the Harlem River at East 135th Street. Carfloats to Hoboken, boxcab No. 2, and GE 44-tonner 53.

    Read More

  21. Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad: Roster, History, Photos

    Oct 18, 26 11:44 PM

    981237461274621387489235092678.jpg
    Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad, a Class III short line leasing about 46.9 miles of CSX track at Parkersburg since 2020. The Ohio River bridge, the Marietta Subdivision, and five GP38-3s.

    Read More

  22. Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad: Map, Timetables, History

    Oct 18, 26 10:57 PM

    9273417624172462873589263487907.jpg
    Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad, an Illinois line from Pekin and Peoria through Springfield to Madison. Chartered in 1853. Sold in parcels on November 20, 1924. The Pekin line is today the Illino…

    Read More

  23. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 18, 26 10:54 PM

    29582857268389798798.jpg
    All-time diesel roster of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. 951 parent frames, 72 Colorado & Southern, and 36 Fort Worth & Denver, each counted once. Serials included.

    Read More

  24. Burlington Railroad (CB&Q): Map, History, Rosters, Photos

    Oct 18, 26 10:49 PM

    498671001948uehgyopo818048571.jpg
    The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Burlington Route, ran from Chicago to Denver, the Twin Cities, and the Gulf. Steam built since 1900 and the diesel fleets are companion rosters. Burlington Northe…

    Read More

  25. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Steam Roster (Post 1900)

    Oct 18, 26 10:33 PM

    9260012957126527382892070938.jpg
    Chicago, Burlington & Quincy steam locomotives built or rebuilt since 1900. 429 Prairies, 383 Mikados, the Hudsons, and the O-5 4-8-4s. Drury's class grid.

    Read More

  26. Virginian Railway's 2-6-6-6 Locomotives (Class AG)

    Oct 18, 26 01:38 PM

    98812741273476325872898239468966.jpg
    Virginian Railway class AG. Eight Lima 2-6-6-6s, Nos. 900-907, built in 1945 for the east end. Billed at 753,000 pounds. Scrapped in 1960.

    Read More

  27. Pennsylvania (PRR) Steam Roster: Post 1906

    Oct 18, 26 01:05 PM

    prr-040-713.jpg
    ennsylvania steam after 1906—H8, H9, and H10 Consolidations, 574 L1s Mikados, 598 I1s Decapods, 425 K4s Pacifics, 301 M1 Mountains. Drury’s grid. Last steam November 30, 1957.

    Read More

  28. Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad: The "Roarin' Elgin"

    Oct 18, 26 10:54 AM

    18716265315235162316279845.jpg
    The Chicago, Aurora & Elgin, the Roarin' Elgin, ran 600-volt third-rail trains from Chicago to Aurora, Batavia, and Elgin. Passenger service ended at noon on July 3, 1957. Freight ended June 11, 1959.

    Read More

  29. Algoma Central Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters

    Oct 17, 26 10:49 PM

    algoma-gp7-170.jpg
    Algoma Central Railway, Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst. Wisconsin Central on February 1, 1995. Fifty-nine steam locomotives and forty-two diesels.

    Read More

  30. Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad: Map, History, Rosters

    Oct 17, 26 05:49 PM

    48985296_2044216392536954_8713255532703514624_n.jpg
    Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad, Mogadore to Delphos. The rails never reached Canton or Youngstown. Norfolk & Western control on October 16, 1964. Twenty-six diesels and the historical society's…

    Read More

  31. Georgia Railroad: Map, History, Logo, Rosters

    Oct 17, 26 12:59 PM

    3300938750098ew88701.jpg
    Georgia Railroad, the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company, Augusta to Atlanta, with the Athens branch and the Macon Road. Mark GA. The railroad properties were sold on November 4, 1982.

    Read More

  32. West Point Route (Railroad): Map, History, Logo

    Oct 16, 26 11:26 PM

    5544819100958ty1qe77190039322.jpg
    The West Point Route was a trademarked name comprising the Atlanta & West Point and Western Railway of Alabama, which were controlled by the Georgia Railroad.

    Read More

  33. Virginian Railway Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 16, 26 11:11 PM

    vgn-h1644-36.jpg
    All-time diesel roster of the Virginian Railway. 40 Fairbanks-Morse H16-44s, 25 H24-66 Train Masters, and one GE 44-tonner. Serials included.

    Read More

  34. Virginian Railway Steam Roster (Post 1900)

    Oct 16, 26 10:55 PM

    26360002987t1gnj7i700971907716326.jpg
    Virginian Railway steam locomotives built since 1900. Mikados, 2-8-8-2s, the Triplex, class AE 2-10-10-2s, and the 1945 2-6-6-6s.

    Read More

  35. Virginian Railway: Map, Rosters, History, Electrification

    Oct 16, 26 10:51 PM

    vgn-113-rr.jpg
    Virginian Railway, Deepwater to Norfolk. Combined in 1907 and completed in 1909. Electrified from Roanoke to Elmore. Absorbed by the Norfolk & Western on December 1, 1959.

    Read More

  36. Baldwin "Centipede" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos

    Oct 16, 26 03:58 PM

    415559009ujlpp987bvc74785.jpg
    Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2 Centipede—2-D+D-2, two 608SC engines, 3,000 hp. SAL 4500 from the 1943 test bed. 54 on the serial list, 52 sold. PRR BP60 then BH50. None preserved.

    Read More

  37. Louisville & Nashville Class M-1 2-8-4s: The Big Emmas

    Oct 16, 26 03:52 PM

    ln-284-250.jpg
    Louisville & Nashville class M-1, 42 Big Emma 2-8-4s. Baldwin in 1942 and 1944, Lima in 1949. Coal trains from Neon to DeCoursey. No locomotive survives.

    Read More

  38. Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway: Map, History, Rosters

    Oct 16, 26 03:21 PM

    11091924721362357258666.jpg
    Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway, Chattanooga to Gadsden. The May 1929 card is 91.7 miles. Southern stock control closed on a January 1, 1971 schedule. Five diesels and Prince's steam list.

    Read More

  39. Railroad Museums In The USA (2026): State Guides & Collections

    Oct 16, 26 02:29 PM

    92039472651243141gj1y86097989.jpg
    U.S. railroad museums—what they are vs tourist railroads, preservation history (R&LHS, NRHS, IRM, Steamtown), state guides, and destination collections. Confirm hours on each museum’s site.

    Read More

  40. Wyoming Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide

    Oct 16, 26 02:26 PM

    679198412734623566893479090.jpg
    Wyoming railroad museums—the Cheyenne Depot, Burlington 5633 at Douglas, Big Boy 4004, and the Laramie depot. Confirm hours and which locomotive is on the property.

    Read More

  41. West Virginia Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide

    Oct 16, 26 12:52 PM

    182746126415624563827892687.jpg
    West Virginia railroad museums—Cass Scenic’s geared steam, the Hinton C&O collection, and the Martinsburg B&O roundhouse. Confirm hours and which locomotive is assigned.

    Read More

  42. Washington Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide

    Oct 16, 26 12:46 PM

    nrm-museum.jpg
    Washington railroad museums—Snoqualmie, Elbe, Chehalis, Reardan, and the Northern Pacific depot at Toppenish. Confirm hours and which locomotive is assigned.

    Read More

  43. Vermont Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide

    Oct 16, 26 12:42 PM

    shelburn-vt-museum.jpg
    Vermont railroad museums—the Shelburne Museum’s 1890 station, Central Vermont No. 220, and the private car Grand Isle. Confirm hours on the site.

    Read More

  44. Tennessee Central Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters, History

    Oct 16, 26 11:32 AM

    tc-c420s-nashville.jpg
    Tennessee Central Railway, Harriman to Hopkinsville. Reorganized January 26, 1922. Last day August 31, 1968. Thirty-one diesels and the railroad's steam roster.

    Read More

  45. Southern Railway Steam Roster (Post 1900)

    Oct 16, 26 09:40 AM

    sou-482-1452.jpg
    Southern Railway steam locomotives built since 1900. Ps-4 Pacifics, Ts Mountains, USRA Santa Fes, and the subsidiary grids for the CNO&TP, Alabama Great Southern, and New Orleans and Northeastern.

    Read More

  46. Southern Railway (USA): Map, Locomotives, Logo, History

    Oct 16, 26 09:28 AM

    425719098c771994885111312324556.jpg
    The Southern Railway, formed July 1, 1894 from the Richmond and Danville and the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. Washington. Norfolk Southern Railway on December 31, 1990.

    Read More

  47. Seaboard Coast Line Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Oct 15, 26 04:21 PM

    82357982358273897276829766.jpg
    All-time diesel roster of the Seaboard Coast Line. Inherited Coast Line and Seaboard locomotives, then 623 new locomotives in the printed orders, plus 28 acquired from other railroads.

    Read More

  48. Seaboard Coast Line Railroad: Map, History, Photos

    Oct 15, 26 04:17 PM

    1612398481850301755.jpg
    The Seaboard Coast Line, formed July 1, 1967 from the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line. Jacksonville. Family Lines, then the Seaboard System on December 29, 1982.

    Read More

  49. South Carolina Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide

    Oct 15, 26 02:54 PM

    scrm-winnsboro.jpg
    South Carolina railroad museums—Winnsboro’s Rockton & Rion line, Spartanburg’s Hub City depot, Greenwood’s Baldwin No. 19, and the Best Friend replica. Confirm hours on each site.

    Read More

  50. South Dakota Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide

    Oct 15, 26 10:55 AM

    sdstate-rr-museum.jpg
    South Dakota railroad museums—the Hill City museum beside the 1880 Train, and Prairie Village at Madison. Confirm hours, and confirm whether Hill City is still open.

    Read More