EMD "NW3" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History
Last revised: January 17, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The NW3 marks a unique chapter in the history of the EMD's storied production. This rare model was built only between November 1939 and March 1942, with seven units produced during that time.
The model was essentially conceived as an experimental light-road switcher model equipped with a steam generator for passenger terminal work.
It was built on the stretched frame of the NW2 and sported EMD's typical four-axle setup. Interestingly, the La Grange builder chose not to offset the cab, which became common practice in road-switcher designs like Alco's RS1, giving the NW3 the odd appearance of a lengthened switcher.
The locomotive was powered by a 12-cylinder 567A prime mover capable of producing 1,000 horsepower. The NW3 ultimately sold just seven examples to a single railroad, the Great Northern. Despite its limited production, the model set the stage for EMD's future road switcher designs, influencing subsequent models that would become more commonplace in the rail industry.
The NW3 stands as a pioneering example of innovation in locomotive design, combining the efficiency of a switcher with the robustness of a road locomotive. Its unique features and limited production run make it a notable, yet often understated, part of EMD's locomotive legacy.
A rare NW3, Clinchfield #361, is seen here in Erwin, Tennessee on March 30, 1971. This unit began its career as Great Northern #5405 in 1942. Warren Calloway photo.Development
EMD's NW2 was one of the builder's best-selling switchers, witnessing 1,139 sales to both domestic and foreign buyers. In an attempt to expand its market presence, the company elected to catalog a variant, the NW3.
While techincally a road-switcher in that it was designed for over-the-road assignments, the NW3 was intended to serve passenger terminals, utilizing its steam generator to switch passenger equipment.
Ultimately, there was little interest within the industry for this specialized locomotive with only Great Northern acquiring seven examples over a three year period; originally numbered #5400-5406, they were later renumbered #175-181.
The NW3 was constructed using the NW2 switcher’s hood, prime mover—a robust V12 EMD 567A diesel engine—and main generator, all mounted on a lengthened frame with road trucks (Blomberg Bs).
This extension in the frame accommodated a spacious cab and an additional full-width hood section that housed a steam generator for passenger service. The steam generator's exhaust was routed through the front center of the cab, positioned between the front windows and exiting at the middle of the roof front.
Delivered in Great Northern’s then-standard black paint scheme (sporting a large GN logo), the NW3s were later repainted in the eye-catching orange and green "Empire Builder" livery (Omaha orange and Pullman green). Initially, the locomotives featured short exhaust stacks, which were subsequently replaced with standard conical EMD switcher stacks. The latter helped better direct diesel exhaust away from the crew cab, a common modification for diesel switchers of that era.
Purpose and Career
Though it was functionally advanced, the NW3's aesthetics were less appealing, with an added bulge on the hood near the cab to house the steam generator giving it a somewhat lumpy appearance. Despite this, the core mechanics and performance were standard, reliable EMD quality.
Interestingly, GN typically employed theirs in secondary passenger service, regularly assigned to trains 35 and 36; a 295-mile, six-day-a-week, two-car, all-stops local passenger service between Duluth, Minnesota, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, as late as the 1950s.
Later Years
The NW3's market viability became moot when the U.S. government’s War Production Board directed EMD to focus on building road locomotives during WWII, leaving switchers to other manufacturers. Post-war, EMD reentered the road switcher market with the BL2 and later the highly successful GP7 and GP9, solidifying its position in the industry.
Data Sheet
| Engine Builder | EMD |
| Engine | 567A 12 cylinder |
| Bore & Stroke | 8" X 10" |
| RPM (Maximum / Minimum) | 800 / 275 |
| Main Generator | GM D7 |
| Horsepower | 1000 |
| Gear Ratio | 59:18 |
| Speed | 83 mph |
| Trucks | 4-Wheel |
| Configuration | B-B |
| Weight | 214,000 lbs |
| Traction Motors | GM D4 (4) |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 53,500 lbs @ 25% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 31,000 lbs @ 11.0 mph |
| Multiple Unit Capability | Optional |
| Dynamic Braking | No |
| Auxiliary Generator | GM |
| Alternator | Delco |
| Air Brake | Westinghouse (24EL) |
| Compressor | GM (WXO) |
| Model | WXO |
| Exterior Dimensions | |
| Total Length | 53' 10 ½" |
| Wheel Diameter | 40" |
| Truck Wheel Base | 8' 10" |
| Height to Top Engine Hood | 11' 11" |
| Height to Top Cab Hood | 14' 9" |
| Cab Width | 10' |
| Wheel Base (locomotive) | 30' 10" |
| Minimum Turning Radius | 57 degrees |
| Capacities | |
| Fuel Oil | 600 Gallons |
| Lubricating Oil | 165 Gallons |
| Engine Cooling Water | 220 Gallons |
| Sand Capacity | 28 cubic feet |
Production Roster
| Owner | Road Number | Serial Number | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Northern | 5400-5401 | 869-870 | E261 | 11/1939 |
| Great Northern | 5402 | 890 | E334 | 9/1940 |
| Great Northern | 5403 | 891 | E413 | 4/1941 |
| Great Northern | 5404 | 892 | E437 | 12/1941 |
| Great Northern | 5405-5406 | 1719-1720 | E480 | 3/1942 |
Disposition
In 1965, the first four locomotives were traded in by GN to EMD in exchange for new locomotives. The remaining three units found new homes:
- #179 was sold to A.E. Staley Co. in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, retaining its original number; it was later acquired by Locomotive Trouble Shooters from Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, where its engine was replaced.
- Locomotive #180 was sold to the Clinchfield Railroad as their #361, and #181 was purchased by Anaconda Aluminum, becoming their #100. The Clinchfield unit was eventually scrapped, while the Anaconda Aluminum locomotive is preserved and on display at the Whitefish, Montana depot, sporting its original Empire Builder colors.
- Locomotive #179 remained in service in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, until it was scrapped in 2019, concluding its long and storied operational life.
Recent Articles
-
Missouri ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 01:21 PM
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences. -
Washington's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 01:15 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Utah's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:48 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Vermont's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:40 PM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides. -
Rhode Island's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:36 PM
It may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. -
Oregon's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:25 PM
For those looking to explore this wine paradise in style and comfort, Oregon's wine tasting trains offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the region's offerings. -
Virginia's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:07 PM
Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration. -
Tennessee's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:44 AM
One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to savor the flavors of Tennessee’s vineyards is by train aboard the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. -
Texas's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:41 PM
In the heart of Texas, where everything is said to be bigger and bolder, lies an event that captures the imagination of children and families alike - A Day Out With Thomas. -
New York's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:37 PM
These events, part of a national tour, are crafted for young Thomas fans and their families to enjoy an immersive experience filled with adventure, nostalgia, and sheer joy. -
Connecticut's Dinner Train Rides In Essex!
Jan 25, 26 01:34 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Minnesota's Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 25, 26 01:25 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
North Carolina's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:18 PM
A noteworthy way to explore North Carolina's beauty is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine! -
Nevada's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:13 PM
While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, you can sip this delight by train in Nevada at the Nevada Northern Railway. -
New Hampshire's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:02 PM
This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure. -
Front Range Passenger Rail [Fort Collins-Pueblo, CO]
Jan 25, 26 12:59 PM
Front Range Passenger Rail is a proposed project to link Fort Collins to Pueblo, Colorado by rail via Denver and Boulder. It hopes to be operational by the early 2030s. -
Indiana "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:53 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could step into a time when passenger trains were a Saturday-night treat and a whistle echoing across farm fields meant “adventure,” the Nickel Plate Express delivers that fe… -
Ohio "Valentine's" Train Rides!
Jan 24, 26 12:46 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers one of the region’s most atmospheric ways to experience the Hocking Hills area: from the rhythmic click of jointed rail to the glow of vintage coaches rolling… -
Arkansas "Dinner Train" Rides On The A&M!
Jan 24, 26 12:40 PM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
North Carolina's Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 24, 26 12:34 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Colorado's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:30 PM
One of the most picturesque locations to see the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine is Colorado at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. -
Iowa's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:26 PM
This article explores the magical journey of spending a day with Thomas and what families can expect from this unforgettable experience in Iowa. -
New Jersey's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:21 PM
If you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other. -
Missouri's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:19 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:17 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Massachusetts's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:17 PM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Kentucky ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:13 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:12 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Scenic Train Rides At The GSMR!
Jan 23, 26 11:47 AM
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) has become one of the flagship heritage rail experiences in the Southeast. -
Ohio Scenic Train Rides In Nelsonville!
Jan 23, 26 11:42 AM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (HVSR) offers something rare in today’s world: the chance to experience a working slice of 19th- and 20th-century railroading on an historic right-of-way. -
Tennessee "Dinner Train Rides" At The TVRM!
Jan 23, 26 10:59 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
California "Dinner Train Rides" In Sacramento!
Jan 23, 26 10:36 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails.
