Looking like something out of Thomas the Tank Engine, the 600 horsepower EMD SW-1 had the longest production run of any EMD model. EMD produced this switcher from 1939 through 1953. The SW-1 was one of the original models offered by EMD, and one of the first to use the 567 diesel engine.
Conrail inherited its fleet of 145 SW-1's from the Penn Central (136, NYC 76, PRR 60), Jersey Central (4), Reading (3), and Lehigh Valley (2). These units could be found doing what industrial switching was left, or m.u.-ed in pairs or triplets doing yard work. Due to their age and low horsepower, these units were retired by 1981.
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Before it was renamed "Columbus Boulevard", before the nightclubs, Delaware Avenue was a cobblestone, railroad track covered, potholed artery serving the gritty industrial waterfront of Philadelphia. SW-1 8536 is seen here serving what was left in December, 1977. Photo by Mike Szilagyi |
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SW-1's 8550 and 8529 move a cut of cars in Abrams Yard on December 27, 1979. Photo by Mike Szilagyi |
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SW1's 8413 and 8501 at Abrams on December 27, 1979. Note that 8501 has had its original steam-era headlight replaced with a more modern sealed beam part from another locomotive. Photo by Mike Szilagyi. |