Article and photos by Paul R. Tupaczewski, unless otherwise noted.
All content is Copyright 1997 by the Author.
Reuse or republication without permission is forbidden.

Sunday, September 21, 1997 was the day that the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors (heretofore known as EMD) celebrated its 75th anniversary with an Open House for the public in their headquarters town of McCook, IL (more commonly referred to as "LaGrange," the town adjacent to McCook). The company had driven the success of the Diesel locomotive, and had much to celebrate.

Today's modern high-horsepower AC traction locomotives are a far cry from yesteryear's cab units, but a display of locomotives representative of EMD's past, present and future were at the event. The people crowded in to see the locomotive display, and reportedly over 20,000 visitors passed through EMD's gates that day.

There was something for everyone that day. Live bands were performing, a modular O scale model railroad was running, and a grand tour of EMD's giant engine plant was available to all. Kids (or us kids who never grew up!) had an opportunity to ride a "mini-train," a pseudo-SD40-like vehicle pulling a flat car and a wide-vision caboose, all part of Illinois Central's Operation Lifesaver Program.

But the object of most people's attention was the locomotive display. Here is a brief description of all that was to be seen, from left to right:

EMD SW9 #57 - An unremarked switcher, the classic SW series, slowly disappearing today, is represented by the EMD plant switcher. Painted in standard EMD blue and white, it might look familar to some. This unit was the former GMDD switcher at London, Ontario. It recently arrived at LaGrange to serve as shop switcher there.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy E5A #9911 - A classic stainless-steel clad unit, this E5A led an authentic Nebraska Zephyr train set (photo by Jeffrey Lubchansky). Owned and operated by the Illinois Railway Museum of Union, IL, this silver speedster was open for all to see and enjoy, and perhaps get a taste of the Golden Era of passenger travel.

Long Island Rail Road DE30AC #401 - This unit, the second to be built of Long Island's new DE30AC fleet, was constructed a month earlier at Super Steel's plant in Schenectady, New York. Crowds were admiring the new unit's styling, an entirely new look for passenger units. As radical as the bulbous nose is, the back of the unit is unique for its utilitarian apparance. A small window allows for reverse movements of the unit. Perhaps the most striking part of the new unit is its new fabricated radial 4-axle truck, featuring very prominent disc brakes. Expect to see this fleet in action in "Railpace country" later this fall.

CSX SD70MAC #701 - This large unit represents a first for CSX: their first EMD AC traction locomotives. After a long absence of EMD purchases, CSX has returned with an order for these 4000 horsepower behemoths. On display in shiny new paint, this unit will not remain that way for long, as it is slated to go into coal train service in western Maryland and West Virginia. Classed "SD70AC" by CSX, this unit will add to the motive power variety on the large Eastern road. A standard SD70MAC (with a plain back end), this unit will fit right into CSX's collection of large EMD SD50 and SD60 units.

C&NW GP7 #1518 - Another historic unit, the 1518 is the very first GP7 built. Its longevity is a testament to the quality of EMD engineering and construction. This unit is now owned by the Illinois Railway Museum, who is in the middle of rebuilding this classic hood unit.

Janesville & Southeastern BL2 #52 - This former Bangor & Aroostook unit, now owned by Glenn Monhart, was repainted in an Illinois Central-like orange and brown scheme. This unit resides in Wisconsin now, along with Monhart's other classic diesels, including a set of F-units.

EMD SD90MAC #8204 - Undoubtedly the star attraction of the show, this built-for-Union-Pacific unit dazzled the crowds. Its blue, aqua, black and white paint job led many to nickname the large unit "Shamu." Its immense size dwarfed all units around it. This unit also features an H-series engine, one of the first units to have this new EMD 4-cycle prime mover. A real crowd pleaser, lines were long all day to take a peek inside the cab of this next-generation unit. After this short stint in EMD paint, the unit was scheduled to be repainted and go into revenue Union Pacific service.

Belt Railway of Chicago TR4 cow/calf #501/510 - Another classic set of units, these transfer engines (don't call them switchers!) were freshly repainted for this event, and unlike many historic units, are still in active daily service! This cow-and-calf set is nearly 50 years old, yet still manage to hold their own in BRC service. The BRC is also well-known for its fleet of Alco C424's (but we won't discuss them at this Open House!)

Atlantic Coast Line E3A #501 - Also owned by Glenn Monhart, this beautifully restored classic passenger unit wowed the crowds with its striking silver and purple paint scheme. "The Champion," as this unit was named, captures the classic EMD styling (photo by Jeffrey Lubchansky), with its long forward-sloped nose (photo by Jeffrey Lubchansky) and six-axle trucks that speaks of its great speed potential.


POTPOURRI

Here is a selection of other photos taken at the Open House.


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