EMC E1 - Numbers and Assignments

Numbers and Assignments

Each E1 was initially ordered for and assigned to a particular train. The ATSF practice was to give all locomotive units in a set the same number, distinguished by letter. The lead unit was designated 'L', but this was not carried on its numberboards. The second unit was 'A'; subsequent units were 'B', 'C', if present. This numbering was part of the railroads' ultimately successful campaign to convince the railroad unions that a multiple-unit diesel locomotive should be considered one locomotive of several parts (and thus needing only one crew) rather than multiple locomotives requiring multiple crews under union agreements.

• 2 and 2A - for the original streamlined Super Chief.
• 3 and 3A - for the second streamlined Super Chief trainset.
• 4 and 4A - backup power for the Super Chief.
• 5 - for the El Capitan.
• 6 - for the El Capitan.
• 7 - for the San Diegan.
• 8 - for the Golden Gate.
• 9 - for the Golden Gate.