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 SD45s, 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
Erie Lackawanna SD45 #3614 emerges from the west portal of the Belden Tunnel at Tunnel, New York (near Colesville) running over the Delaware & Hudson on July 24, 1971. Tom Trencansky photo.
Erie Lackawanna SD45s #3626 and #3624 with train IHB 99 at Marion, Ohio on March 6 1976. Karl Miller photo.
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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Aberdeen Carolina and Western Wins a $19.9 Million Grant
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The Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway won a $19.9 million CRISI grant for about 30 miles of welded rail in Montgomery and Stanly counties. The railroad and NCDOT are putting up a 52 percent match… -
Alco "C628" Locomotives: Roster, Data Sheet, Specs
Nov 03, 26 07:57 PM
Alco Century C628: 2,750 hp C-C road switcher, 186 built from December 1963 to December 1968. Production roster, specs, and where the high-hood Norfolk and Western units went. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Nov 03, 26 12:54 PM
Santa Fe diesel locomotives, each new frame once, with construction numbers and order numbers. The counted total is 3,964, from the 1935 boxcabs through the SD75Ms. -
Metra Holiday Trains Return on Six Lines
Nov 03, 26 11:40 AM
Metra holiday trains will run on six lines in December, with tickets on sale at noon November 16 for $10. The Chicago Transit Authority and Pace are fielding holiday buses in the same regional announc… -
Amtrak Encourages Early Booking for Thanksgiving
Nov 03, 26 11:39 AM
Amtrak is asking travelers to book Thanksgiving trips early. The railroad carried more than 1.2 million customer trips over the 2025 holiday and expects another record, with extra Northeast Regional s… -
Channel Pacific Keeps Its West Sacramento Exemption
Nov 03, 26 11:26 AM
The Surface Transportation Board denied a West Sacramento challenge to Channel Pacific Railroad’s exemption to operate about 2,132 feet of terminal track. The exemption took effect in June 2026. -
DART Marks One Year of the Silver Line
Nov 03, 26 11:22 AM
DART marked one year of Silver Line service linking seven North Texas cities and DFW Airport. The 26-mile regional rail line opened October 25, 2025, as the agency’s first rail expansion in a decade. -
Massachusetts Breaks Ground for the Berkshire Flyer
Nov 03, 26 10:07 AM
Massachusetts broke ground October 29 in Pittsfield on track work meant to support permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service. MassDOT has $31 million for the project in its 2027-2031 capital plan. -
Cheraw Scrapyard Closed After a Search for CSX Rail
Nov 03, 26 10:02 AM
Chesterfield County deputies, CSX police, and state agents searched Cheraw Iron and Metal on October 27 and closed the yard after finding CSX rail and telephone wire. -
Union Pacific Urges the Board to Keep a Speech Video Confidential
Nov 03, 26 09:53 AM
Union Pacific on October 30 asked the Surface Transportation Board to keep a recording of Jim Vena’s shipper speech confidential while it appeals. BNSF on November 2 asked the board to deny that… -
Enfield Station Construction Begins on the Hartford Line
Nov 03, 26 09:39 AM
Connecticut has started a $125.3 million Enfield station on the Hartford Line, restoring passenger service for the first time since 1986. The state expects construction to finish in fall 2030. -
Santa Fe Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Nov 03, 26 09:30 AM
Featured here is the Santa Fe's all-time steam roster after 1900. The railroad operated a wide and varied collection of wheel arrangements. -
Santa Fe Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters
Nov 03, 26 09:16 AM
History of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, from Cyrus Holliday’s 1859 charter to the Burlington Northern merger on December 31, 1996. The Warbonnet, the Super Chief, and the Chicago to Los An… -
Asheville Rail Corridor Gets $35.8 Million
Nov 03, 26 12:18 AM
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded North Carolina $35.8 million for development, design, and construction on the Salisbury to Asheville corridor, including more than 40 crossing-signal syst… -
Le Mars Transload Center Expands on Canadian National
Nov 03, 26 12:06 AM
Burlington Junction Railway has expanded the Le Mars Transload Center beside Canadian National and U.S. Highway 75. A zero-interest Iowa DOT loan paid for part of the work. The center and industrial p… -
Lehigh Gorge Trains Move to Nesquehoning
Nov 02, 26 11:48 PM
Reading and Northern has moved Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway trips to Nesquehoning after the October 31 rockslide west of Jim Thorpe. Trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. through Sunday, November… -
Texas Transit Agency Breaks Ground on TEXRail
Nov 02, 26 11:40 PM
Trinity Metro broke ground October 29, 2026, on a $270 million, 2.1-mile TEXRail extension from Fort Worth T&P Station to a new Near Southside station on land donated by Baylor Scott and White Hea… -
Lake Front Depot: The C&NW's Milwaukee Terminal
Nov 02, 26 09:40 PM
The Chicago and North Western Lake Front Depot at 915 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee. Charles Sumner Frost, 1889. Last train May 15, 1966. Clock tower down May 7, 1968. -
Canal Street Maintenance Plan Will Get an FRA Review
Nov 02, 26 01:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration will prepare an environmental assessment of Amtrak Canal Street maintenance plans in Chicago after adding 17 viaduct repairs to a project that had a categorical exc… -
Durango & Silverton Repairs Track After Continued Flooding
Nov 02, 26 01:40 PM
Durango & Silverton crews are repairing flood damage after the Animas hit 11,200 cfs on October 23. The Highline Express ran October 27 through November 1. Polar Express trains remain listed from… -
Middle Georgia Megasite Will Host the First Audi Plant in the U.S.
Nov 02, 26 01:35 PM
Audi will build its first U.S. plant at the Norfolk Southern-served Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County, about $4 billion and about 4,500 jobs. Audi and Norfolk Southern publish different construc… -
Union Pacific No. 844 Returns Beside Big Boy on November 21
Nov 02, 26 01:30 PM
Union Pacific 4-8-4 No. 844 is back under steam and will trail Big Boy 4014 from Greeley to Denver on November 21. The pair will then stand on free display at Denver Union Station. -
Norfolk Southern Abandonment in the Shenandoah Valley Is Stayed
Nov 02, 26 01:19 PM
The Surface Transportation Board on October 22, 2026, postponed a Norfolk Southern exemption to abandon 48.5 miles from Front Royal to Broadway, Virginia. A response is due November 3. -
Reading & Northern Sets a November 23 Start in Luzerne
Nov 02, 26 01:13 PM
Reading and Northern expects to begin operating about 59.65 miles of Luzerne County rail line on November 23, 2026. The package is $7 million in cash plus $3 million in track work. -
Second Daily Pennsylvanian Begins November 18
Nov 02, 26 12:19 PM
A second daily Pennsylvanian round trip between New York and Pittsburgh begins November 18, 2026, after 46 years with one round trip. Each city gets a morning departure and an afternoon departure. -
MBTA Sets November Meetings on Regional Rail
Nov 02, 26 12:10 PM
The MBTA will hold virtual meetings on November 4 and November 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., on a plan to turn Commuter Rail into Regional Rail with more frequent servic -
Wisconsin Central Diesel Roster (Soo Line Years)
Nov 01, 26 11:31 PM
Diesels built new for the Wisconsin Central in the Soo Line years. 97 locomotives, Alco 24 and Electro-Motive 73. These 97 are already inside the Soo Line roster of 786.
