EMD "SD45" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Last revised: December 20, 2024
By: Adam Burns
Electro-Motive was determined to win the horsepower race of the 1960s and cataloged its most powerful standard model in late 1965, the SD45.
To achieve its goal, EMD increased the size of its new 645 power plant to 20 cylinders, which increased horsepower to 3,600. Visually, the SD45 was unmistakable from any other La Grange product up until that time with its long frame and flared rear radiator air intakes. The latter trait was not repeated on standard production models until the SD80MAC of 1995.
Initially, the SD45 was quite successful - and went on to sell more than 1,200 examples. However, railroads soon realized the additional 600 horsepower was not worth the increased maintenance investment.
In addition, it was the first in EMD's line to suffer mechanical issues. These problems were eventually addressed in the "Dash 2" variant although by then most railroads opted for the less powerful, but more reliable, SD40-2. Ultimately, only 136 examples of the SD45-2 were produced.
Nevertheless, the SD45 could outpull almost any other locomotive then in service and was popular on western roads like the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Great Northern.
Recently-delivered Erie Lackawanna SD45's are seen here at Secaucus, New Jersey on May 26, 1968. Peter Klepper photo/Warren Calloway collection.Background
In an era when manufacturers and railroads believed evermore horsepower achieved the greatest level of operational efficiency, powerful models like the SD45, U36C, and C636 were cataloged by the industry's three major builders.
There were even one-off monstrosities like the U50/U50C, DDA40X, DD35/A, and C-855. Ultimately, railroads realized the greater horsepower was not worth the increased maintenance investment.
In his book, "EMD Locomotives," author Brian Solomon notes that in late 1965 EMD advertised nine new models equipped with its latest engine offered in a range of horsepower ratings, sizes, and wheel arrangements.
The SD45 was the most powerful and entered EMD's catalog in December, 1965 with the unveiling of Demonstrator #4351. The big locomotive was equipped with a 20-cylinder variant of the builder's new model 645E3 prime mover.
To accommodate the larger power plant, engineers lengthened EMD's standard frame for its six-axle models by five feet. As Bob Hayden notes in his book, "Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia - Volume 2," instead of fabricating a special frame for the SD45, EMD simply made it standard for all six-axle models in the 645 line.
As a result, the less powerful SD38, SD39, and SD40 have short "porches" fore and aft. Interestingly, these "porches" are even more pronounced on the SD40-2, which featured an even longer frame to accommodate the new HT-C truck.
The SD45's signature feature was its flared rear radiator, which was required to provide the cooling necessary for the greater engine ouput. Mr. Solomon notes the average cost for a new SD45, depending on options, was $290,000.
A trio of Erie Lackawanna's big SD45's work pool service to Chicago as they accelerate westbound symbol freight TC-99 out of the Delaware & Hudson's yard at Mechanicville, New York, circa 1969. Jim Shaughnessy photo.Success and Concern
Sales for the SD45 took off quickly thanks to EMD's stellar reputation. However, as the model spent time in service customers soon recognized issues with these powerful locomotives.
Most notable was the 20-cylinder prime mover, which began experiencing teething issues and had a tendency to break crankshafts. This significant problem naturally resulted in engine failures while in service and sidelined the locomotives for an extended period. In addition, railroads did not like the larger flared rear radiator.
Rio Grande SD45 #5323 leads a freight through heavy snow just west of Loma, Colorado during the late 1960s. American-Rails.com collection.SD45-2
As part of EMD's latest "Dash 2" line released in January, 1972, the SD45-2 solved its predecessors problems. In his book, "Locomotives: The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference," author Greg McDonnell notes that EMD boasted 40 refinements with its new line.
Its most notable was the upgraded electrical system which included transistors, printed circuit boards, and solid-state modular components which replaced a labyrinth of old relays, switches, and interlocks commonly been found on all previous models.
The new computer system controlled everything from voltage regulation, battery charging and excitation and throttle response to wheel-slip control, dynamic brakes, and the locomotive's sanders.
In this Great Northern publicity photo, new SDP45 #333 leads the "Empire Builder" in its redesigned "Big Sky Blue" livery near Montana's Glacier National Park during the fall of 1967. Author's collection.Interestingly, the SD45-2 was the one "Dash 2" variant that actually differed visually from its pedecessor. EMD eliminated the flared rear radiator air intakes, replacing it with the builder's common flush-mounted design - only larger to provide proper air-intake for the 20-cylinder engine.
Unfortunately, the "Dash 2" line did not see the same jump in sales as the SD40 series. Its biggest issue appears to have been the increased maintenance and fuel appetite. Railroads were quite happy with the slightly less powerful - and less maintenance intensive - SD40-2. Ultimately, just 136 SD45-2s were sold.
A Northern Pacific publicity photo featuring four new SD45's just delivered from Electro-Motive at the Mississippi Street Shops in St. Paul, Minnesota in July, 1966. Author's collection.SDP45
Cataloged in 1967, this variant was a dual-service design, which carried a steam generator for passenger assignments. To do so required a frame five feet longer. Only 54 were sold to Southern Pacific, Great Northern, and Erie Lackawanna.
EL wound up with the most, 34 examples built between 1969-1970. Ironically, the railroad did not order theirs for passenger service. Instead, the longer frame allowed for a larger, 5,000-gallon fuel tank (enabling complete runs from New Jersey to Chicago without refueling) while the rear space intended for a steam generator contained concrete to increase tractive effort.
Erie Lackawanna SD45 #3633 is stopped with a westbound freight at the small depot in Deposit, New York during a crew change in March, 1970. Photographer unknown. Author's collection.SD45T-2
The SD45T-2 was the original "Tunnel Motor" variant, requested by Southern Pacific for operation in the high Sierra-Nevada mountain range of Donner Pass to eliminate clean air-intake problems while operating through tunnels and snowsheds.
To correct the overheating issue, EMD redesigned the rear section by placing the air-intakes low along the walkways where they could acquire the coolest, cleanest air. In addition, the radiators were moved to very top of the hood.
Overall, the new design gave the locomotive a very box appearance at the rear. No other railroads ordered the "Tunnel Motor" package; Southern Pacific wound up with 247 units, 166 of which were sublettered for subsidiary St. Louis Southwestern Railway. In 1974, Southern Pacific returned to EMD for the less powerful SD40T-2, a model also purchased by the Rio Grande.
Southern Pacific/Cotton Belt SD45T-2 #9389 proudly wears its new Bicentennial livery in Sacramento, California during August of 1975. Behind it is Central Pacific 4-2-4 #1, the "CP Huntington". Drew Jacksich photo.Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 12/1965 (Demonstrator #4351) |
| Years Produced (SD45) | 12/1965 - 12/1971 |
| Years Produced (SDP45) | 5/1967 - 8/1970 |
| Years Produced (SD45X) | 6/1970 - 2/1971 |
| Years Produced (SD45-2) | 5/1972 - 9/1974 |
| Engine | 645E3 |
| Engine (SD45X) | 645F3B |
| Engine Builder | GM |
| Horsepower | 3600 |
| Horsepower (SD45X) | 4200 |
| RPM | 904 |
| Cylinders | 20 |
| Cylinders (SD45X) | 16 |
| Length | 65' 9 ½" |
| Length (SD45X) | 70' 8" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Engine Hood) | 15' 2 13/32" |
| Width | 10' |
| Weight | 368,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 3200 Gallons |
| Fuel Capacity (SD45X) | 4400 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WBO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26L |
| Trucks | C-C |
| Truck Type | Flexicoil |
| Truck Type (SD45X) | HT-C |
| Truck Wheelbase | 13' 7" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | D77 (6), GM |
| Primary Generator | AR10, GM |
| Steam Generator (SDP45) | Vapor-Clarkson (Model AR4125) |
| Auxiliary Generator | Delco (A8102) |
| Alternator | D14 |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 (71 mph), 61:16 (77 mph), 60:17 (83 mph) |
| Gear Ratio (SDP45) | 59:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 92,000 Lbs at 25% |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 89,500 Lbs at 25% (SDP45) |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 82,100 Lbs at 11 mph |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 82,100 Lbs at 6.6 mph (SDP45) |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
| Top Speed (SDP45) | 95 mph |
A pair of Frisco SD45's, along with GP35 #701, at Springfield, Missouri, circa 1970. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.Production Rosters
SD45
Total Built = 1,260
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Northern | 400-407 | 31598-31605 | 7871 | 5/1966-6/1966 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 4351 (became Illinois Central #7000) | 31693 | 5696 | 12/1965 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 4352-4353 (became Delaware & Hudson #802-803) | 31694-31695 | 5696 | 1/1966 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 1024-1033 | 31840-31849 | 5703 | 12/1966 |
| Northern Pacific | 3600-3603 | 31951-31954 | 7890 | 7/1966 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1700-1704 | 31955-31959 | 5705 | 7/1966 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1705-1730 | 31960-31985 | 7904 | 7/1966-9/1966 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1731-1734 | 31986-31989 | 7905 | 9/1966 |
| Southern Pacific | 8800-8844 | 31991-32035 | 7887 | 8/1966-9/1966 |
| Santa Fe | 1800-1829 | 32056-32085 | 5708 | 6/1966-8/1966 |
| Pennsylvania | 6105-6139 | 32315-32349 | 7928 | 10/1966-12/1966 |
| Pennsylvania | 6140-6169 | 32365-32394 | 7928 | 1/1967-2/1967 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 4354 (became Delaware & Hudson #801) | 32462 | 5720 | 6/1966 |
| Santa Fe | 1830-1889 | 32506-32565 | 5722 | 10/1966-12/1966 |
| Chicago & North Western | 901-920 | 32624-32643 | 7945 | 2/1967-3/1967 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 5315-5324 | 32689-32698 | 7951 | 1/1967-2/1967 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1735-1738 | 32699-32702 | 7953 | 5/1967 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1739-1764 | 32703-32728 | 7988 | 7/1967-9/1967 |
| Southern Pacific | 8845-8893 | 32759-32807 | 7954 | 2/1967-4/1967 |
| Southern Pacific | 8894-8934 | 32808-32848 | 7971 | 4/1967-7/1967 |
| Great Northern | 408-417 | 32988-32997 | 7963 | 4/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 900-905 | 33011-33016 | 7967 | 2/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 906 | 33017 | 7968 | 2/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 907-911 | 33018-33022 | 7970 | 2/1967-3/1967 |
| Northern Pacific | 3604-3619 | 33025-33040 | 7978 | 4/1967-5/1967 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3601-3620 | 33101-33120 | 7991 | 6/1967 |
| Reading | 7600-7604 | 33175-33179 | 7992 | 7/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 912-913 | 33182-33183 | 5729 | 5/1967 |
| Union Pacific | 3600-3621 | 33409-33430 | 7975 | 3/1968-4/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3622 | 33431 | 7107 | 4/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3623 | 33432 | 7108 | 4/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3624-3639 | 33433-33448 | 7077 | 3/1968-4/1968 |
| Milwaukee Road | 4000-4005 | 33525-33530 | 7052 | 1/1968-2/1968 |
| Southern | 3122-3159 | 33544-33581 | 7068 | 11/1967-12/1967 |
| Southern | 3105-3121 | 33582-33598 | 7074 | 12/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 914-925 | 33599-33610 | 7080 | 2/1968 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 8964-8971 | 33624-33631 | 7081 | 2/1968-4/1968 |
| Southern Pacific | 8935-8963 | 33632-33660 | 7082 | 2/1968-5/1968 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 8972-8981 | 33661-33670 | 4/1968-6/1968 | 7081 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 5325-5336 | 33757-33768 | 7085 | 3/1968-5/1968 |
| Great Northern | 418-426 | 33785-33793 | 7088 | 7/1968-8/1968 |
| Pennsylvania | 6170-6199, 6210-6234 | 33804-33858 | 7993 | 12/1967-1/1968 |
| Pennsylvania | 6200-6208 (Evens) | 33859-33863 | 7090 | 1/1968 |
| Pennsylvania | 6201-6209 (Odds) | 33864-33868 | 7091 | 1/1968-3/1968 |
| Northern Pacific | 3620-3629 | 33900-33909 | 7094 | 4/1968-5/1968 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 5337-5340 | 33931-33934 | 7106 | 3/1968 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3621-3634 | 33936-33949 | 7104 | 5/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3640-3649 | 34016-34025 | 7077 | 3/1968 |
| Milwaukee Road | 4006-4009 | 34149-34152 | 7133 | 12/1968 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 2010-2023 | 34163-34176 | 7123 | 10/1968 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 926-928 | 34245-34247 | 7129 | 10/1968 |
| Penn Central | 6235-6239 | 34277-34281 | 7125 | 8/1968 |
| Southern Pacific | 8982-9001 | 34350-34369 | 7138 | 12/1968-2/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9002-9007 | 34370-34375 | 7163 | 2/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9008-9030 | 34376-34398 | 7138 | 2/1969-4/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9031-9036 | 34399-34404 | 7164 | 4/1969-5/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9037-9051 | 34405-34419 | 7138 | 3/1969 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9052-9059 | 34420-34427 | 7140 | 1/1969-3/1969 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 516-530 | 34551-34565 | 7147 | 1/1969 |
| Chicago & North Western | 937-977 | 34570-34610 | 7148 | 1/1969-2/1969 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9060-9068 | 34726-34734 | 7150 | 12/1968 |
| Southern Pacific | 9069-9103 | 34904-34938 | 7170 | 3/1969-4/1969 |
| Santa Fe | 5590-5597 | 34995-35012 | 7175 | 5/1969 |
| Santa Fe | 5598-5614 | 35013-35019 | 7177 | 5/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9104-9123 | 35196-35215 | 7187 | 10/1969-12/1969 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Cotton Belt) | 929-942 | 35477-35490 | 7194 | 9/1969-10/1969 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1765-1789 | 35521-35545 | 7199 | 2/1970-3/1970 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1790-1814 | 35546-35570 | 5745 | 12/1969 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 926-928 | 34245-34247 | 7129 | 10/1968 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 929-942 | 35477-35490 | 7194 | 9/1969-10/1969 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 943-948 | 35583-35588 | 7204 | 12/1969 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9152-9155 | 35753-35756 | 7215 | 1/1970 |
| Southern Pacific | 9124-9151 | 35761-35788 | 7217 | 12/1969-3/1970 |
| Southern | 3160-3169, 3100-3104 | 36109-36123 | 5755 | 3/1970 |
| Burlington Northern | 6472-6491 | 36361-36380 | 7261 | 6/1970-7/1970 |
| Santa Fe | 5622-5624 | 36491-36493 | 5763 | 6/1970 |
| Santa Fe | 5615-5621 | 36494-36500 | 7267 | 6/1970 |
| Burlington Northern | 6492-6497 | 36794-36799 | 7279 | 8/1970-9/1970 |
| Burlington Northern | 6498-6542 | 37106-37150 | 5773 | 5/1971-8/1971 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 2024-2044 | 37715-37735 | 5784 | 9/1971-10/1971 |
| Colorado & Southern | 868-874 | 38366-38372 | 5788 | 10/1971 |
| Burlington Northern | 6543-6567 | 5794-1/25 | 5794 | 11/1971-12/1971 |
Reused Serials
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern | 3120 | 33597 | 8084 | 4/1970 |
SD45-2
Total Built = 136
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Lackawanna | 3669-3681 | 7381-1 thru 7381-13 | 10/1972 |
| Clinchfield | 3607-3616 | 7382-1 thru 7382-10 | 11/1972 |
| Santa Fe | 5625-5661 | 7391-1 thru 7391-37 | 5/1972 |
| Santa Fe | 5662-5704 | 72642-1 thru 72642-43 | 5/1973-6/1973 |
| Clinchfield | 3617-3624 | 73773-1 thru 73773-8 | 2/1974 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 2045-2059 | 74601-1 thru 74601-15 | 8/1974-9/1974 |
| Santa Fe | 5705-5714 | 74603-1 thru 74603-10 | 5/1974 |
It's the early Conrail era as Erie Lackawanna SDP45 #3636 leads a westbound freight near Alden, New York on December 14, 1976. American-Rails.com collection.SDP45
Total Built = 52
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Pacific | 3200-3209 | 32849-32858 | 5/1967-7/1967 | 7955 |
| Great Northern | 326-333 | 33041-33048 | 7979 | 7/1967-8/1967 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3635-3653 | 34976-34994 | 7174 | 5/1969-6/1969 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3654-3661 | 36658-36665 | 7246 | 7/1970-8/1970 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3662-3668 | 36880-36886 | 7246 | 8/1970 |
SD45X
Total Built = 7
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 5740 | 34123 | 5740 | 6/1970 |
| Southern Pacific | 9500-9502 | 35741-35743 | 7288 | 8/1970-9/1970 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 4201 (became Southern Pacific #9503) | 36806 | 5751 | 6/1970 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 4202-4203 (became Southern Pacific #9504-9505) | 36807-36808 | 5751 | 2/1971 |
One of the Santa Fe's interesting SD45B's, #5501, was photographed here in Riverdale, Illinois on August 28, 1990. John Eagan, Jr. photo. Author's collection.SD45X
Only seven of this variant were produced in 1970-1971. It was an experimental design which tested EMD's new "Dash 2" upgrades and could produce 4,200 horsepower. The model was also equipped with EMD's latest HT-C truck, which was a standard option on the SD40-2.
Photo Gallery
A Great Northern publicity photo featuring new Great Northern SD45 #407 and dome "Prairie View" wearing the railroad's updated 'Big Sky Blue' livery in the spring of 1966.
Great Northern "Hustle Muscle" SD45 #400 lays over at the Dale Street Shops in St. Paul, Minnesota in September, 1967. Today, the locomotive is maintained in operating condition by the Great Northern Railway Historical Scoiety and is housed at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth, Minnesota. It occasionally operates on excursion trains for the affiliated North Shore Scenic Railroad. Myron Gilbertson photo.
EMD SD45 demonstrator #4352 is seen here at C&NW's Proviso Yard at Melrose Park, Illinois on June 23, 1966. This unit became Delaware & Hudson #802. Marty Bernard photo.
Erie Lackawanna acquired a large fleet of SD45s and typically used them on runs to and from Chicago. Here, a pair - led by #3627 - have a general merchandise westbound across the Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal at State Line Tower (Chicago) in January, 1972. Roger Puta photo.
Milwaukee Road SD45 #4000 was photographed here at the company's terminal in Bensenville, Illinois in February, 1969. American-Rails.com collection.
Erie Lackawanna SDP45 #3664 and a U36C lead trailers westbound through Hornell, New York on October 16, 1975. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.
A handsome Santa Fe SD45-2, #5700, shows off its Bicentennial livery in Kansas City on February 26, 1975. J. Primm photo. American-Rails.com collection.Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- 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.
- Schafer, Mike. Vintage Diesel Locomotives. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1998.
- Solomon, Brian. American Diesel Locomotive, The. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 2000.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
- Solomon, Brian. GE and EMD Locomotives: The Illustrated History. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2014.
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Nevada Chirstmas Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 11:24 PM
Nevada is historically important as part of the western leg of the Transcontinental Railroad. Today, a handful of museums and heritage railroads can be found in the state and a few host Christmas-them… -
Railroad Museums In The USA (2026): State Guides & Collections
Sep 03, 26 10:25 PM
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. -
Narrow Gauge Railroads (USA): History, Mileage & Lines
Sep 03, 26 02:39 PM
American narrow-gauge railroads—3-foot fever, Hilton’s 11,699 miles in 1885, Denver & Rio Grande, Maine two-footers, survivors you can still ride. History and a growing company list. -
Railroads In The 1900s (1900–1910): Facts, Statistics, History
Sep 03, 26 10:05 AM
U.S. railroads 1900–1910—ICC miles 193,346 to 240,293, Elkins/Hepburn/Mann-Elkins, interurbans, 20th Century Limited, Penn Station, last transcontinentals. Facts and statistics. -
Michigan Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 03, 26 12:12 AM
2026 Michigan Christmas trains—SRI North Pole Express on Pere Marquette 1225 (Owosso), Coopersville Santa Train, Huckleberry Railroad Holiday Magic, Little River Christmas Express. Not Polar Express. -
Transcontinental Railroad: Maps, Facts, Completion
Sep 03, 26 12:12 AM
First transcontinental railroad—Pacific Railway Acts 1862/1864, Central Pacific and Union Pacific, Chinese labor, ten-mile day, Promontory Summit May 10, 1869. Maps, facts, Golden Spike National Histo… -
PRR B1 Electric Switchers: History, Specs & Roster
Sep 02, 26 11:41 PM
Pennsylvania Railroad class B1 electric switchers—Altoona/Juniata 0-6-0 (C) boxcabs, 1926–1935. BB1/BB2 pairs, 5684–5697 singles, LIRR B3 sisters, specs, complete roster. 5690 at Strasburg. -
Florida Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 11:17 PM
2026 Florida Christmas trains—Florida Railroad Museum North Pole Express in Parrish (Nov. 27–Dec. 22). No licensed Polar Express in Florida. Miami Polar is closed. -
North Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 01:40 PM
2026 North Carolina Christmas trains—Tweetsie Christmas (Nov. 27–Dec. 30), Bonsal Santa Express, Aberdeen Carolina Christmas Train. Polar is Bryson City and Spencer. -
New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad: Map, Route & History
Sep 02, 26 01:30 PM
New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad—William Hardy, Erlanger capital, 196 miles Meridian–New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain trestle, Queen & Crescent Route. Southern 1916, AGS 1969, Norfolk Southern t… -
New Hampshire Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 01:25 PM
2026 New Hampshire Christmas trains—Conway Scenic Santa’s Holiday Express (from Nov. 28, Coach $27/$21) and Lincoln Santa Express. Not Polar Express. -
Minnesota Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 12:18 PM
2026 Minnesota Christmas trains—Duluth Christmas City Express, Friends of the 261 North Pole Express (Dec. 4–13), Minneapolis Holly Trolley. Not Polar Express. -
Railroad Diamonds: At-Grade Track Crossings, Frogs & Interlockings
Sep 02, 26 12:00 PM
Railroad diamonds—four frogs where two tracks cross at grade. Rigid, movable-point, and flange-bearing designs, interlocking protection, and why MOW crews hate them. -
California Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 02, 26 11:58 AM
2026 California Christmas trains—Napa Santa Train, Campo North Pole Limited, Niles Canyon Train of Lights, Roaring Camp, Skunk Train, Portola. Polar stays on the Polar hub. -
Civil War Railroads: North vs South, USMRR, Maps & Facts
Sep 02, 26 10:32 AM
Civil War railroadsā€”1860 mileage, gauges, USMRR, Haupt and McCallum, First Manassas, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Andrews Raid, B&O. Maps and facts. -
Milwaukee Road EP-3 "Quills": History, Specs & Roster
Sep 01, 26 11:49 PM
Milwaukee Road class EP-3 Quills—ten Baldwin–Westinghouse 2-C-1+1-C-2 passenger electrics, 1919. Quill drive, Mountain Division Olympian, frame failures, complete roster, all scrapped by 1957. -
Milwaukee Road's Boxcab Electrics (EP-1/EF-1): History, Specs, Classes
Sep 01, 26 11:20 PM
Milwaukee Road Alco/GE boxcabs—42 pairs, 1915–16, 3,000 V DC. EP-1 and EF-1 through EF-5 and ES-3. Specs, classes, June 1974, E50 Duluth and E57B Harlowton. -
Milwaukee Road's Vendome Loop: Horseshoe, Grades & Pipestone Approach
Sep 01, 26 07:28 PM
Milwaukee Road's Vendome Loop—horseshoe between Vendome and Cedric, Montana, on the 2% east slope of Pipestone Pass. ICC valuation, McIntosh Bros., 1908 track. Not the tunnel. -
Connecticut Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 01, 26 02:31 PM
2026 Connecticut Christmas trains—Essex Steam Train North Pole Express (Nov. 20–Dec. 23, Coach from $60), plus Danbury, Naugatuck, Shore Line Trolley. -
Texas Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 01, 26 02:21 PM
2026 Texas Christmas trains—Grapevine Santa’s North Pole Express (Nov. 27–Dec. 30). -
Ohio Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 01, 26 12:47 PM
Learn more about Christmas train rides in the state of Ohio, home to Ohio is home to some of the top heritage railroads in the country. -
Pennsylvania Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 01, 26 10:05 AM
2026 Pennsylvania Christmas trains—Strasburg Santa’s Paradise Express, New Hope Santa trains, Colebrookdale, and more. Not Polar Express. -
Mt. Rainier Christmas with the Clauses (2026): Elbe Dates & Tips
Sep 01, 26 09:55 AM
2026 Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Christmas with the Clauses in Elbe—Nov. 21–Dec. 23, ~75 minutes. Tickets Sept. 1. Christmas train, not Polar Express. -
Tweetsie Christmas (2026): Blowing Rock Dates, Tickets & Tips
Sep 01, 26 09:44 AM
2026 Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock—select evenings Nov. 27–Dec. 30. Steam train, lights, Santa. $65/$45. Christmas event, not Polar Express. -
TVRM North Pole Limited (2026): Chattanooga Dates, Tickets & Tips
Sep 01, 26 12:23 AM
2026 Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum North Pole Limited—Nov. 13–Dec. 23, ~75 minutes from Grand Junction. Christmas train, not Polar Express. From $38. -
Milwaukee Road "Little Joes" (EF-4 / EP-4): History, Specs & Roster
Sep 01, 26 12:15 AM
Milwaukee Road Little Joes—12 GE 2-D+D-2 electrics from a cancelled Soviet order. EF-4 freight, EP-4 passenger. Specs, roster, June 1974 shutdown, E70 at Deer Lodge.
