Surviving 1st Gen Diesel Locomotives in the USA
Locating a Surviving 1st-Generation Diesel Locomotive
For those seeking information about preserved first-generation diesel or electric locomotives, the Surviving First-Generation Diesel Locomotive Database provides a comprehensive and accessible starting point. This specialized database is devoted to cataloging early diesel-electric locomotives's typically built from the 1930s through the 1950s that played a pivotal role in the transition from steam to diesel power in North American railroads.
The database allows users to explore preserved locomotives using a variety of filters and categories. Searches can be conducted by locomotive model (such as EMD F7, Alco RS-1, or Baldwin VO-1000), original railroad, builder, or geographic location, including by state. Each listing generally includes detailed specifications, historical notes, current status, and location -- whether the locomotive is on static display, operational, undergoing restoration, or in storage.
As the earliest generation of diesel locomotives becomes increasingly rare, this database serves as an essential tool for historians, rail enthusiasts, preservationists, and researchers alike. It not only documents the machines themselves but also preserves the legacy of a transformative era in railroad history.