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C&NW Diesel Roster: All-Time

Published: May 8, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Chicago & North Western rostered an interesting and eclectic diesel fleet during the so-called "first generation" era.  It acquired models from all of the major builders.

However, in later years the C&NW typically stuck with EMD products while in its final years it picked up General Electric's newest Dash 8s and Dash 9s.

In addition, the railroad famously rebuilt older first-generation power to extend their service lives while it also rebuilt others into slugs. 

Photos

A Chicago & North Western publicity photo featuring E7A's #5019-A/B at the 40th Street Shops in Chicago circa 1953.

History

The Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW) stands as a monumental testament to the growth and evolution of American railroads.

Established amidst the burgeoning rail industry of the mid-19th century, its story began in 1859 when the modest Galena and Chicago Union Railroad (chartered in 1836) merged with the Chicago, St. Paul and Fond du Lac Railroad, adopting the iconic name that would become synonymous with the development of the Midwest.

Underpinning Chicago’s ascent as a rail hub, the C&NW carved out critical routes connecting Chicago to Omaha by way of a network extending towards Iowa and Minnesota, and eventually reaching as far west as Wyoming.

It was a true pioneer in fostering the transportation of grain, livestock, and minerals, which were integral to the nation's growing industry and agriculture.

In its heyday, C&NW was known for innovative practices. It was among the first to employ diesel locomotives extensively, a move that significantly reduced its operational costs and enhanced efficiency. The company's business savvy extended to acquiring strategic routes and smaller railroads, thus expanding its reach and bolstering its service offerings.

Yet, like many railroads, the C&NW faced numerous challenges in the latter half of the 20th century.

The industry dealt with increased competition from trucking, driven by improvements in highway infrastructure, as well as regulatory pressures. These factors necessitated a strategic shift for many rail companies, and in 1995, after more than a century and a half of operation, C&NW was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad.

This acquisition marked the end of its operations as an independent entity, but it also ensured that its routes and contributions would continue to be part of America’s transportation backbone.

Thus, through its lifecycle, the Chicago and North Western Railway not only helped shape the economic landscape of the American Midwest but also mirrored the shifts in a dynamic and evolving industry, continually adapting to meet the needs of the nation it served.

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