EMD "E7" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History
Last revised: February 20, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Electro-Motive's E7 series passenger diesel is generally considered the builder's first in the post-World War II era even though it was introduced in February, 1945, seven months before the conflict officially ended.
It established many of EMD's standardized practices in both the freight and passenger models, including the first passenger diesel to feature the builder's "bulldog" nose look first introduced on the FT in 1939.
The E7 continued Electro-Motive's passenger line that had been formally launched with the EA of 1937, and continued through the E6 of 1940-1942. As EMD's reputation grew it sold increasingly more E units that reached a crescendo with the E7. Internally, the E7 varied little from the E3 through E6.
Ironically, despite 510 "A" and "B" units constructed be Electro-Motive just one is preserved today; Pennsylvania #5901-A (out-shopped by the builder in September, 1952).
While she is no longer operable you can see this locomotive adorned in its handsome Tuscan Red livery with cat whiskers, housed indoors at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Perhaps most amazing is that more Alco PA's survive than this popular EMD model!
This Electro-Motive photo, taken in the spring of 1945, features Great Northern E7A set #504A/B wearing a rare livery ordered for the postwar "Empire Builder." As Bob Le Massena notes: "As was common at the time the motive power arrived long before the cars were delivered. In this instance, the delay was a year-and-a-half. By that time [the] locomotives had been altered somewhat. The simplified mountain goat emblem was removed from each side, replaced by the traditional herald (with its 'Great Northern Railway' name ring around the outside) mounted on a plaque low on the nose door. A second headlight was mounted in the upper half of the door, and the illuminated number-plate was moved upward to a position just below the original headlight. "The Great Northern" in gilt script around the nose was removed to make room for the herald plaque, and the dark green bands which had ended at the new herald were extended on around the nose and curved down to a point on each side of the nose door."Overview
The E7 was Electro-Motive's first in the series featuring the now-classic "bulldog" nose. As Brian Solomon notes in his book, "Electro-Motive: E Units And F Units," the ease of War Production Board restrictions on domestic diesel locomotive production enabled EMD to unveil a redesigned passenger model.
In doing so, and after listening to customer feedback, EMD offered many new features on the E7, including standardization of components that were interchangeable among multiple locomotive models.
The E7's internal components were more or less similar, or the same, to earlier models. While the locomotive did feature a slightly upgraded 12-cylinder, model 567A prime mover (in place of the earlier, original 567 model) it still carried a 2,000 horsepower rating.
The truck setup remained the same as an A1A-A1A (meaning the center axle was unpowered) and model D7 traction motors. As a passenger model, the E7 was offered with steam generators; used not only for heating purposes but in some cases with early air-conditioning systems as well.
Milwaukee Road E7A #18-A is seen here in a fresh coat of Armour Yellow at Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1964. Russ Porter photo. American-Rails.com collection.By 1945 EMD's products were well known for their reliability, efficiency, and ruggedness. The builder paved the way for the fall of steam thanks to its FT, and then went on to silence the motive power forever with future models like the F3, F7, GP7, GP9, and others.
Kansas City Southern (Louisiana & Arkansas) E7A #12, at the road's engine terminal in Pittsburg, Kansas, circa 1968. This unit was acquired from the Maine Central in 1962. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.The E7 was available with four different gearing ratios including:
- 52:25 (Maximum Speed = 117 mph)
- 55:22 (Maximum Speed = 100 mph)
- 56:21 (Maximum Speed = 92 mph)
- 57:20 (Maximum Speed = 85 mph)
Numerous railroads would go on purchase the E7, from the Baltimore & Ohio and Atlantic Coast Line to the Milwaukee Road and Southern Pacific, as the industry geared up for the postwar streamliner boom.
Interestingly, not every railroad was satisfied with the E series; Southern Pacific stated they only performed well on relatively flat grades found east of the Mississippi River and were not rugged enough to handle the harsh operating conditions and stiff grades of the West.
Missouri Pacific E7A #4 is showing her age at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, circa 1968. This unit was built for MP subsidiary Texas & Pacific as #2003 in 1947. American-Rails.com collection.The railroad went on to purchase just one E8 and a handful of E9s. Interestingly, it found Alco's PA much more to its liking in passenger assignments. The Santa Fe carried a similar sentiment. In fact, it purchased no E7s, E8s, or E9s, instead preferring EMD's sure-footed F3 and F7 models to lead its top trains.
While EMD's entire passenger line was never as successful as its freight models, the E7 proved its most popular as the builder sold some 428 "A" units and 82 "B" units by the time production had ended in the spring of 1949. It was replaced with the E8, which debuted later that year, a slightly more powerful variant that also incorporated a number of design improvements.
Rock Island E7A #633 is stopped at the Morton Street Depot in Peoria, Illinois with train #11 from Chicago in July, 1968. American-Rails.com collection.The reliability of Electro-Motive's E7 and later E models could been seen in their longevity. Many of those not traded in and replaced by the later E8 saw service up until Amtrak, although by that time with service in severe decline many units had been extremely abused and were simply worn out.
While no E7s actually made it into service on Amtrak, the carrier did utilize a number of aging E8s, E9s, FL9s, and FP7s. Sadly, the Rock Island, which could not afford to join the new carrier (railroads had to pay a fee to the carrier to hand over their remaining passenger trains), continued to use some of its worn out E7s in passenger assignment through the latter 1970s.
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 2/1945 (Baltimore & Ohio #64-A) |
| Years Produced | 2/1945 - 4/1949 |
| Engine | 567A (2) |
| Engine Builder | GM |
| Horsepower | 2000 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Length (E7A) | 71' 1 ¼" (End of Couplers) |
| Length (E7B) | 70' 0" (End of Couplers) |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 13' 11" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Roof Horn) | 14' 10" |
| Width | 10' 6 7/8" (Outside Grab Irons) |
| Weight | 316,500 Lbs (A Units): 308,300 Lbs (B Units) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,200 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WXO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24RL |
| Trucks | A1A |
| Truck Type | Blomberg |
| Truck Wheelbase | 14' 1" |
| Wheel Size | 36" |
| Steam Generator Manufacturer | Vapor-Clarkson |
| Steam Generator Capacity | 1200 Lbs/Hr |
| Traction Motors | D7 (4), GM |
| Primary Generator | D4 (2), GM |
| Auxiliary Generator | Delco |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio Options | 52:25, 55:21, 56:21, 57:20 |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 19,500 Lbs (52:25); 23,500 Lbs (55:21); 25,000 Lbs (56:21); 27,000 Lbs (57:20) |
| Top Speed | 117 mph (52:25); 98 mph (55:21); 92 mph (56:21); 85 mph (57:20) |
Great Northern E7A #505 at rest in Duluth, Minnesota on an overcast day in September, 1962. Rick Burn photo.Production Rosters
E7A
Total Built = 428
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alton Railroad | 101, 101A | 1671-1672 | E490 | 3/1945 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 64(A), 64(B), 66(A), 66(B) | 1673-1676 | E472 | 2/1945 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3017-3020 | 1929-1932 | E534 | 3/1945 |
| Chicago & North Western | 5007B | 1966 | E536 | 4/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 102, 102A, 103, 103A | 2003-2006 | E544 | 3/1945 |
| Florida East Coast | 1006-1007 | 2293-2294 | E578 | 4/1945 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 458A-461A, 458B-461B | 2366-2373 | E591 | 4/1945 |
| Great Northern | 500A-504A, 500B-504B | 2428-2437 | E605 | 4/1945, 6/1945 |
| Florida East Coast | 1008-1017 | 2521-2530 | E607 | 6/1945 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 529-531 | 2827-2829 | E635 | 6/1945, 8/1945 |
| New York Central | 4000-4003 | 2865-2868 | E639 | 3/1945 |
| New York Central | 4004-4007 | 2869-2872 | E639 | 10/1945 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3021-3030 | 2875-2884 | E640 | 8/1945 - 9/1945 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7004 | 2895 | E641 | 9/1945 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 68(A), 68(B), 70(A), 70(B), 72(A), 72(B), 74(A), 74(B), 76(A), 76(B), 78(A), 78(B), 80(A), 80(B) | 2897-2910 | E642 | 9/1945 - 10/1945 |
| Pere Marquette | 101-102 | 2911-2912 | E643 | 6/1946 |
| Chicago Burlington & Quincy | 9916A,B-9925A,B | 2938-2957 | E646 | 11/1945 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 632-636 | 3094-3098 | E650 | 4/1946 - 5/1946 |
| Chicago & North Western | 5008A-5008B, 5009A | 3112-3114 | E652 | 5/1946 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 524-528 | 3185-3189 | E657 | 3/1945 - 4/1945 |
| Southern | 2905-2916 | 3194-3205 | E658 | 5/1946 |
| Alton Railroad | 100 | 3218 | E660 | 5/1946 |
| Wabash | 1000 | 3226 | E662 | 8/1946 |
| Milwaukee Road | 16A-20A, 16B-20B | 3235-3244 | E664 | 5/1946 - 6/1946 |
| Illinois Central | 4005-4015 | 3265-3275 | E666 | 9/1946 |
| Boston & Maine | 3800-3801 | 3339-3340 | E670 | 9/1945 |
| Boston & Maine | 3802-3815 | 3341-3354 | E670 | 6/1946 |
| Chicago & North Western | 5009B | 3355 | E652 | 5/1946 |
| Pennsylvania | 5900A-5901A | 3356-3357 | E671 | 9/1945 |
| Maine Central | 705-708 | 3366-3369 | E670 | 6/1946 |
| Chicago & Eastern Illinois | 1100-1101 | 3374-3375 | E674 | 5/1946 |
| Central of Georgia | 801-807 | 3384-3390 | E676 | 9/1946 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 532-537 | 3408-3413 | E635 | 6/1946 |
| Union Pacific | 959A-960A | 3504-3505 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Union Pacific/Chicago & North Western | 927A | 3506 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Union Pacific | 930A-931A | 3507-3508 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Union Pacific/Southern Pacific/Chicago & North Western | 907A | 3509 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Chicago & Eastern Illinois | 1102 | 3585 | E674 | 9/1946 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3031-3034 | 3611-3614 | E697 | 9/1946 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 637-638 | 3733-3734 | E712 | 9/1946 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 639-642 | 3735-3738 | E712 | 2/1948 |
| Central of Georgia | 808 | 3754 | E714 | 9/1946 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7010-7011 | 3758-3759 | E715 | 3/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7005-7006 | 3762-3763 | E716 | 3/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific (International-Great Northern) | 7012 | 3764 | E717 | 3/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific (International-Great Northern) | 7007 | 3766 | E718 | 3/1947 |
| Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) | 2000-2001 | 3767-3768 | E719 | 3/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific (St Louis, Brownsville & Mexico) | 7008-7009 | 3887-3888 | E724 | 3/1947 |
| St Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) | 2001, 2004, 2002, 2005, 2000, 2003 | 3917-3922 | E732 | 3/1947 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 101A, 101B | 3934-3935 | E738 | 3/1947 |
| Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) | 2002-2007 | 3936-3941 | E739 | 3/1947 |
| Chicago & North Western | 5010A-5011A, 5010B-5011B | 3972-3975 | E744 | 3/1947 |
| Pennsylvania | 5840A-5855A | 3976-3991 | E745 | 8/1947 - 9/1947 |
| Wabash | 1001, 1001A | 4084-4085 | E758 | 4/1947 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 765 (became Union Pacific 988) | 4147 | 5/1947 | E765 |
| Southern Pacific | 6003A-6004A | 4150-4151 | E807 | 8/1947 |
| Southern Pacific | 6000A-6002A | 4152-4154 | E767 | 4/1947 |
| New York Central | 4008-4023 | 4163-4178 | E751 | 4/1947 |
| Pere Marquette | 103-106 | 4252-4255 | E776 | 04/47 |
| Chicago & North Western | 5012A-5017A, 5012B-5016B | 4273-4283 | E781 | 9/1947 |
| Great Northern | 510A-512A | 4338-4340 | E801 | 8/1947 |
| Florida East Coast | 1018-1022 | 4390-4394 | E788 | 8/1947 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9926A-9929A, 9926B-9929B | 4433-4440 | E792 | 9/1947 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3035 | 4444 | E697 | 9/1946 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9930A, 9930B, 9949 | 4499-4501 | E792 | 9/1947 |
| Pere Marquette | 107-108 | 4722-4723 | E821 | 8/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7013 | 4795 | E833 | 9/1947 |
| New York Central | 4024-4029 | 4847-4852 | E840 | 2/1948 |
| Pennsylvania | 5856A-5865A | 5073-5082 | E864 | 2/1948 |
| Illinois Central | 4016-4017 | 5149-5150 | E873 | 6/1948 |
| Central of Georgia | 809 | 5197 | E880 | 6/1948 |
| Central of Georgia | 810 | 5242 | E880 | 6/1948 |
| Illinois Central | 4000 | 5385 | E899 | 8/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7014-7017 | 5443-5446 | E905 | 6/1948 - 7/1948 |
| Boston & Maine | 3816-3819 | 5623-5626 | E927 | 7/1948 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 538-543 | 5677-5682 | E935 | 7/1948 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3036-3040 | 6028-6032 | E969 | 2/1948 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3041-3044 | 6149-6152 | E978 | 7/1948 |
| New York Central | 4030-4035 | 6241-6246 | E987 | 3/1949 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 95-98 | 6262-6265 | E992 | 7/1948 |
| Wabash | 1002 | 6499 | E1002 | 3/1949 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9931A-9933A, 9931B-9933B | 6500-6505 | E1006 | 3/1949 |
| Chicago & North Western | 5017B, 5018A-5019A, 5018B-5019B, 5020A | 6592-6597 | E1012 | 3/1949 |
| Maine Central | 709-711 | 6647-6649 | E1017 | 7/1948 |
| Southern | 2917-2922 | 6859-6864 | E1031 | 4/1949 |
| Louisville &a Nashville | 790-793 | 7600-7603 | E1082 | 3/1949 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 750 | 7632 | E1088 | 7/1948 |
| Pennsylvania | 5866A-5879A | 7836-7849 | E1113 | 3/1949 - 4/1949 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3045-3048 | 8259-8262 | E1146 | 4/1949 |
| Bangor & Aroostook | 700 | 8417 | E1163 | 4/1949 |
| Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) | 2008-2009 | 8464-8465 | E1170 | 4/1949 |
| Boston & Maine | 3820 | 8475 | E1172 | 4/1949 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9934A-9935A, 9934B-9935B | 8488-8491 | E1006 | 3/1949 |
| Bangor & Aroostook | 701 | 8615 | E1163 | 4/1949 |
| Pennsylvania | 5880A-5883A | 8619-8622 | E1113 | 4/1949 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 9936A, 9936B, 9937A | 8917-8919 | E1006 | 3/1949 |
E7B
Total Built = 82
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida East Coast | 1052 | 2295 | E578 | 4/1945 |
| Florida East Coast | 1053-1054 | 2531-2532 | E608 | 6/1945 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 759-764 | 2830-2835 | E635 | 6/1945 - 8/1945 |
| New York Central | 4100-4101 | 2873-2874 | E639 | 10/1945 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7004B | 2896 | E641 | 9/1945 |
| New York Central | 4102-4103 | 2913-2914 | E639 | 10/1945 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 632B | 3099 | E650 | 4/1946 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 755-758 | 3190-3193 | E657 | 3/1945 - 4/1945 |
| Illinois Central | 4100-4102 | 3276-3278 | E666 | 9/1946 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 633B-634B | 3461-3462 | E650 | 4/1946 - 5/1946 |
| Union Pacific | 961B-963B | 3510-3512 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Union Pacific/Chicago & North Western | 928B-929B | 3513-3514 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Union Pacific/Southern Pacific/Chicago & North Western | 908B-909B | 3515-3516 | E690 | 8/1946 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 637B-638B | 3739-3740 | E712 | 9/1946 |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific | 639B-642B | 3741-3744 | E712 | 2/1948 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7010B-7011B | 3760-3761 | E715 | 3/1947 |
| Missouri Pacific (International-Great Northern) | 7012B | 3765 | E717 | 3/1947 |
| Pennsylvania | 5840B-5854B (Evens) | 3992-3999 | E745 | 8/1947 - 9/1947 |
| Southern Pacific | 6003B, 6003C, 6004B | 4155-4157 | E807 | 8/1947 |
| New York Central | 4104-4107 | 4179-4182 | E751 | 4/1947 |
| Southern Pacific | 6004C | 4217 | E807 | 8/1947 |
| Southern Pacific | 6000B-6002B, 6000C-6002C | 4218-4223 | E767 | 4/1947 |
| New York Central | 4108-4113 | 4853-4858 | E840 | 2/1948 |
| Pennsylvania | 5856B-5864B (Evens) | 5083-5087 | E864 | 2/1948 |
| Pennsylvania | 5900B | 5088 | E884 | 4/1947 |
| Illinois Central | 4103 | 5151 | E873 | 6/1948 |
| Missouri Pacific | 7014B-7017B | 5447-5450 | E905 | 6/1948 - 7/1948 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 3105-3107 | 6153-6155 | E978 | 7/1948 |
An aging Pennsylvania E7A, #5872, lays over in Bay Head, New Jersey along the New York & Long Branch on April 3, 1966. Author's collection.Pennsylvania #5901-A
As a comparison, the only other locomotive builder to truly compete in the passenger model market with EMD was Alco and its PA series.
While often considered the most beautiful diesel locomotive ever built, unfortunately its early 244 prime mover, a troublesome engine in main line service, caused many railroads to shy away from Alco.
Today, Pennsylvania #5901-A has been beautifully restored (cosmetically) at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and is housed indoors and out of the elements, where it can be regularly visited by the general public.
Photos
A pair of handsome Gulf, Mobile & Ohio E7As, #101 and #101A, backing out of Chicago Union Station to the wye on May 13, 1964. Behind the train is the Burlington coach yard. Marty Bernard photo.
Illinois Central E7A #4006 between assignments at Memphis, Tennessee on May 12, 1969. Dennis Conniff photo/Warren Calloway collection.
Southern Pacific E7A #6017, and what appears to be a pair of PA's, lead an excursion through California's Niles Canyon during April of 1965. Drew Jacksich photo.
Louisville & Nashville E7A #798 has the "Danville Flyer" in Chicago on May 30, 1970. American-Rails.com collection.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.
- Rail Heritage Publications. Early Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation, 1983.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
- Solomon, Brian. Electro-Motive E-Units and F-Units: The Illustrated History of North America's Favorite Locomotives. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2011.
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Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas. -
Arkansas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:51 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
California 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:48 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Wisconsin 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:44 AM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Diesel Roster (All Time)
May 30, 26 11:40 AM
The Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE) transitioned to diesel power efficiently, completing full dieselization in 1953 thanks to its focused heavy-haul profile. -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 30, 26 11:30 AM
The Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE), the vital iron ore and coal hauler linking Lake Erie docks at Conneaut, Ohio, to Pittsburgh-area steel mills, operated one of the most specialized steam fleet… -
Bangor & Aroostook Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 29, 26 11:48 PM
The Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (BAR), Maine’s legendary potato and paper hauler stretching deep into the Aroostook County wilderness, relied on a compact yet hardworking steam fleet for much of its i… -
Bangor & Aroostook Diesel Roster (All Time)
May 29, 26 11:33 PM
BAR prioritized Electro-Motive Division (EMD) products for their reliability in harsh northern Maine winters and on light branch lines, resulting in a roster heavy on versatile road switchers. -
Western Pacific Timetables (August, 1952)
May 29, 26 10:09 PM
These timetables capture the Western Pacific in the final golden years of its passenger operations—offering travelers one last chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Feather River Route in comfor… -
Maine 'Dinner Train' Rides At Portland
May 29, 26 12:04 PM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a…
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