Locomotives
Reading Company, EMD NW2, Class OE-9, #103
Background & History
The Reading Company first experimented with diesel-electric switching locomotive as early as 1926 with oil-electric switching locomotives to address smoke conditions in confined commercial areas. It proceeded to purchase low horsepower switchers from several competing builders including Alco, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Fairbanks Morse and EMC (a subsidiary of General Motors). EMC was later made a division of General Motors (EMD). Amongst the models purchased were SWs SW1s and NW2s from EMC/EMD. The NW2 were a higher horsepower version producing 900 HP (NW2 = Nine Hundred Horsepower, Welded Frame).
In September 1940, the Reading Company took delivery of its first NW2, Number 90. Another two NW2s were delivered in October 1941 (91-92). World War II Production Board restrictions prevented additional deliveries. In 1947, an additional five NE2 units (100-104) were delivered. These units were rated at 1000 HP and were assigned Reading Class OE-9 (Oil Electric 9). Reading NW2’s were assigned service in both the coal regions and the Philadelphia area. NW2s (90-92 were assigned to Newberry Junction upon delivery, and were frequently seen working in Pottsville, while the later NW2s worked in Philadelphia and were assigned to Erie Avenue Engine House for their maintenance.
Unit 103 gleams in the early morning sun at Leesport, PA after receiving a new coat of paint.
(Paul Gantner photo in the RCT&HS collection.)
Unit 103 in Reading, PA, likely after its retirement.
Photo courtesy Reading Modelers Group
The Reading Company NW2 fleet locomotives served reliably with mechanical upgrades provided by EMD. By the early 1970s the Reading Company undertook several programs to rebuild their older switchers including the SW900Ms and NW2s. Unit 104 was rebuilt in 1973 and was released from the shop in the latest all Green paint scheme introduced on Unit 1519. One of only ten older units to receive the new scheme (seven being switchers). The program was interrupted with the delivery of 25 new SW1001s in 1973. The NW2s were retired and placed up for sale.
Unit 103 was sold to Andrew Merrilees LTD., a Canadian locomotive rebuilder and leasing firm. After receiving mechanical work, the locomotive was assigned to work at US Steel’s Fairless Works in Fairless Hills, PA. The unit was sent to the nearby Warner Sand & Gravel facilities for repair where it remained for several years.
A keen RCT&HS member noticed the unit and approached Andrew Merilles about donation of the unit. It was moved in operating condition to the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad and used briefly in switching service. A 1992 repainting restored it to Reading Company livery. It was moved to the current RCT&HS Hamburg Museum site while playing a key role in moving the balance of the RCT&HS collection. It received rewiring work of control circuits and remains a reliable locomotive as the northern yard switching locomotive in 2026.
Unit 103 is working hard to move a newly acquired CSX (ex RDG) GP39-2 up the steep incline in the RCT&HS museum site in Hamburg, PA.
Photo courtesy Don Crabtree
EMD NW2 #103 Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
Electro-Motive Division
General Motors
LaGrange, IL
Date Built:
July 1947
Builder’s #:
4943
Engine:
Model 12V-567A
2-stroke diesel
12 cylinder
Horsepower:
1000
Top Speed:
60 mph
Weight:
248,120 lbs.
Tractive Effort:
62,030 lbs.
Length:
44’5″
Fuel:
600 gallons
Lube Oil:
165 gallons
Water:
110 gallons
Aspiration:
Roots blower
Bore x Stroke:
8.5″ x 10″
Displacement:
6804 c.i. (567 per cylinder)
Idle Speed:
300 rpm
Max Speed:
800 rpm
Transmission:
DC generator, DC traction motor
Brake System:
14-EL Air