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Nickel Plate Road Diesel Roster (All-Time)

Published: May 6, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Nickel Plate vanished early from the railroad landscape, a victim of Norfolk & Western's growth during the mid-1960s. 

In addition to its modest size the NYC&StL did not boast an expansive fleet of diesel locomotives.  However, the road did operate models from every major builder except General Electric.

Highlighted below is the railroad's complete roster up until its 1964 N&W acquisition.

The New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad, commonly referred to as the Nickel Plate Road, was a significant player in American railroading, maintaining operations from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century. The history of this railroad reflects its impact on regional transportation, economic growth, and the rail industry overall.

The NYC&StL was established on February 3, 1881. The primary goal of its founders was to create a more direct, efficient route between the major cities in its name—New York, Chicago, and St. Louis—thereby challenging the dominance of existing lines like the New York Central Railroad and the Pennsylvania Railroad in the profitable long-haul freight and passenger business.

Led by with the Seney Syndicate, headed by George Seney, the construction of the Nickel Plate Road started vigorously in 1881. By 1882, the main line stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Buffalo, New York, had been completed. This rapid construction was a feat of engineering and financial planning, designed to optimize operations from the start.

Once completed, the Nickel Plate Road quickly established itself as a key freight and passenger line. Its tracks allowed for shorter and faster routes between important industrial cities, promoting the transport of goods like agricultural produce, coal, and steel. During its operational years, the Nickel Plate Road was known for its high-speed service and became a favored route for perishable cargo, capitalizing on its speedy image.

Throughout its history, the Nickel Plate both challenged and cooperated with larger rail networks. In 1916, it came under the control of the Van Sweringen brothers, real estate magnates who also controlled several other major railroads.

This period marked significant operational improvements and modernizations, including the electrification of parts of the line and the introduction of more powerful locomotives.

The Great Depression of the 1930s hit many industries hard, including the railroads. However, the Nickel Plate Road managed to survive, adapting its services to meet changing market needs and focusing on streamlining operations.

The mid-20th century saw many changes in the railroad industry, with shifts towards mergers and consolidations becoming common. In 1964, the Nickel Plate Road merged with the Norfolk and Western Railway, another move orchestrated by the industry's drive for more efficient, comprehensive rail services. This merger effectively ended the independent operations of the Nickel Plate Road.

The legacy of the Nickel Plate lives on in various ways. Its tracks continue to be an important part of the Norfolk Southern Railway's network. Additionally, its history is preserved by several historical societies and museums, highlighting its influence on the development of the Midwest and its role in the broader narrative of U.S. railroading.

In summary, the NYC&StL was a critical infrastructure component in America's rapid industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its ability to adapt to industry trends and economic challenges stands as a testament to the resilience and significance of this railroad throughout its history.

Alco

Baldwin Locomotive Works

EMD

Fairbanks-Morse

General Electric

Lima-Hamilton

Sources

• Hampton, Taylor.  Nickel Plate Road, The: The History Of A Great Railroad. Newton: Circulation, Publishing And Marketing L.L.C., 1947.

• Rehor, John A.  Nickel Plate Story, The.  Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1965.

• Schafer, Mike. More Classic American Railroads. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 2000.