EMC Demonstrators 511 and 512
| EMC Demonstrators | |
|---|---|
| EMC demonstrator #511 on the CB&Q in 1937. The locomotive is painted silver, having been in service on the ATSF until the E1 locomotives were ready. | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Builder | Electro-Motive Corporation |
| Serial number | 511–512 |
| Build date | August 1935 |
| Total produced | 2 |
| Number | 511–512 |
| Official name | 1800 hp B-B |
| Locale | North America |
| Disposition | Scrapped |
The two EMC demonstrators, numbered 511 and 512, were built in May 1935 to demonstrate the future of passenger diesel power to potential customers. The boxy bodywork was not what EMC intended to sell, but it was an easy way to demonstrate the power units and hauling capacity, which would not be changed in the future E-units.
They were demonstrated both together and singly; the latter for shorter trains for local and less busy services, the former to replace larger steam locomotives on busy trains.
EMC #511 was loaned to the Santa Fe to be a backup to ATSF 1 and 1A during the first year of the Super Chief's operation as ATSF #1B, painted in silver. EMC #512, also painted silver, was given the designation ATSF #1C and pressed into service for the first regular run of the Super Chief-2 on May 18, 1937 to replace an ailing Unit #1.
In 1938, having outlived their usefulness, the two demonstrators were scrapped. Trucks and some other components were re-used for the two NW4 switchers built for the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
Read more about this topic: EMC 1800 Hp B-B