One of the last of the purpose-built end-cab switchers is getting harder and harder to find, the EMD SW1500. 807 of the 1500-hp 12-cylinder EMDs were built between 1966 and 1974, replaced by the EMD MP15.

A source in Altoona reports that four remain on Norfolk Southern, all officially retired but still used as shop switchers at Altoona, Roanoke, Conway (Pittsburgh), and Enola (Harrisburg).

Portola has one, of WP heritage to boot:

http://www.wplives.org/locomotivepages/wp1503.html

I thought there was still a pretty strong secondary market for the 1500, which may make preservation cost prohibitive. Is this still true?

LTE had a few on the Ready Track last summer. Popular units for shortlines.

You are correct Alexander. There are still SW1500s being used as shop switchers, even though the type is now extinct on Norfolk Southern. At least one (NS 2220), is of Penn Central heritage, and is working the Altoona Shops. I cannot vouch for any others being alive and well right now, but there is at least one left operating on NS.

Those things bring considerable bucks when they are for sale, like in excess of $150K or more, depending on condition. Very desirable for industrial work, and more modern than clapped-out SW7s or NW2s. The ones with road trucks are really in demand.

Howard P.

I think NS has a couple at Abrams yard to service the Venice branch due to weight restrictions. Thought I read that some of them were of Reading heritage, and thus being on "home" rails, but not sure.

The switchers at Abrams are SW1001s, all built in 1973 for the Reading. There are usually about three of them laying around. Last I knew they shifted the Venice Branch on Mondays usually in the afternoon.

In 2006, over 50 Penn Central SW1500's were listed as surviving..none "preserved"..

http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/Scotty ... /index.htm

That was 7 years ago, and obviously things change..but probably the majority of those units are still out there..

Scot

You can debate whether or not this one is technically "preserved" or not; however, the owner just sent me an e-mail stating that it is, meaning that it will most likely find a good home eventually:


DATA CORRECTED by Levin:
Unit built for Indianapolis Union Ry as #30, then to CR 9608, wreck damaged at Frankford Junction (Philly), Sold to Juniata Terminal as 9275. JT leased it to LHRR as 9275, then to GE Appliance. On return unit went through the capital program in 2011 and modified to SW1500M with upgraded electronics. Loco now operates with slug 8850, a former Missouri Pacific SW8 rebuilt by the MoPac to a slug in 1979 and acquired by Juniata from UP in 2009.

If Wikipedia is to be believed, there are numerous ones operating on the BNSF (originally Burlington Northern and Great Northern). The NASA Railroad operates 3 of them, all from the Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railway.

Norfolk Southern has two ex-Illinois Terminal SW1500s; 2292 at Shavers Crossing in Virginia and 2296 in storage in Altoona. I was told by a source within NS that one of them is destined for IRM.

Switchers are in high demand in today's used locomotive market and especially SW1500's. Several years ago at a UP locomotive auction good SW1500's were going for any where between $175k and $200k. One SW1500 with a damaged prime mover went for $150k. While at this same auction SD40-2's where going for $50k to $100k depending on condition.

As a former, short line manager and locomotive engineer I really like these units especially if they are equipped with road trucks and easy climbing steps. They provide the engineer with great visibility which is essential for grade crossing safety and when working with only one man on the ground. They are basically a bi-directional locomotive.

Barry

I run one frequently with CSX near Cincinnati. 1193. The old girl is beat up but still will pull rather well. It would make a great engine for a museum, but I can tell you from experience, they ride rough on rough track.

Joe

The 2102 sitting in Falls yard, usually switching the Venice once or twice a week. The 2100 and 2101 are at Abrams presently, and have been on some yard jobs lately...