Locomotives
EMD FP7, Reading Class DP-1, #902
Background & History
Reading FP7A #902 was part of the original order of six units placed by the Reading Company in March of 1950. Initially the order was for three FP7A’s and three F7B’s to replace the power on the Crusader, Wall Street, and other trains, but this was changed to all FP7A’s, due to, among other reasons, turntable size constraints at Green Street passenger engine house and greater steam generator capacity.
The units were shipped in pairs, working their way east on the B&O. Units 902 & 903 remained together for most of their career. Units 906 and 907 were ordered later in 1952 and all eight remained in use until the mid 1960’s. Due to declining ridership and smaller trains, the pairs were often broken up and used as sole power on a run, except on the Crusader and Wall Street, which still rated two units. By 1966, a number of FP7’s had been either retired or traded in for newer units, and only 900, 902, and 903 remained on the Reading Roster.
The remaining units were used in push-pull service on the Reading to Philadelphia run, with one unit kept as a back-up. This service continued after Septa took ownership of the train in 1974, and after Conrail assumed operation of the train in 1976. In 1977, Septa had “SEPTA OWNER” stenciled on the side of the units, and they were renumbered on paper into the Conrail numbering system.
In February of 1978 Septa decided to apply a new paint scheme to the train, and the infamous red, white, and blue “Circus Trin” was born. The complete “Circus Train” debuted in June of 1978. During its service under Septa, the train was often used on the Bethlehem Branch in between runs to and from Reading.
In 1981, with the anticipated opening of the Commuter Rail Tunnel in Philadelphia, Sept decided to cease all non-electrified rail service and engine #902 was retired and stored at Wayne Junction.
#902 was sold to the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) Lancaster Chapter. 902 and sister 903 (owned by the NRHS Philly Chapter) underwent a lengthy restoration process that began in 1986. Both units were finally completed in 1994 and dedicated in 1995. Over the years, 902 and 903 have been used in various excursion services.
In 2007, the NRHS Lancaster Chapter donated #902 to the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society(RCT&HS). 902 and 903 were stored in various places in eastern Pennsylvania and used in occasional excursion services. In 2010, it was decided to loan the locomotives to Steam Town. They were stored outside and were used for occasional excursions to Moscow, PA. With limited maintenance and care, they lingered outside and began to deteriorate.
In 2023, negotiations began on a lease agreement with SMS Rail Lines for 902. NRHS Philly Chapter decided to sell 903 to SMS. An agreement between RCT&HS and SMS was hammered out, and 902 was leased to SMS. SMS arranged for the two FP7’s to be relocated to the SMS maintenance facility in Southern New Jersey. 902 and 903 would remain together a little longer.
After going through a restoration, 902 was back in the public eye ready to serve the Woodstown Central.
EMD FP7 #902 Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
Electro-Motive Division
General Motors
LaGrange, IL
Date Built:
1950
Builder’s #:
11387
Engine:
Model 16V-251E
2-stroke diesel
16 cylinder (Vee)
Horsepower:
1500
Top Speed:
89 mph
Weight:
255,100 lbs.
Tractive Effort:
63,775 lbs.
Length:
54’11”
Fuel:
1200 gallons
Lube Oil:
200 gallons
Water:
230 gallons
Boiler Water:
1750 gallons
Aspiration:
Roots blower
Bore x Stroke:
8.5″ x 10″
Displacement:
9072 c.i.
Idle Speed:
275 rpm
Max Speed:
800 rpm
Transmission:
DC generator, DC traction motors
Brake System:
24-RL
Air and dynamic
Special:
Steam boiler