Locomotives
Reading Company, EMD SW1200, Class SWE-14, #2719
Background & History
In 1963, the Reading Company was in the midst of their switching locomotive upgrade program. Having acquired ten SW900s in 1961 using Baldwin VO660s as trade in credit, they moved on to the next step. BLH VO1000s (RDG Class OE10) were used as trade in credit on ten units, five more SW900s and five new SW1200s. All ten were delivered in Reading’s striking new livery of Green & Yellow. Unlike previous acquisitions from EMD, only the trucks, including Westinghouse traction motors, and batteries were used form the BLH trade-in units (77,79,87,85 & 72). Roller bearing journals were included. The five new units were numbered 2715-2719.
The units came equipped for multiple-unit service and marker lamps. They also had radios as indicated by their Class SWE14. Rated at 1200 HP, they possessed a tractive effort of 61,530 pounds. The Reading specified full length walkway railings on all ten units for crew safety. The classic rain gutter was mounted on the cab roof. Eventually 2716 was released on May 24, 1973, repainted all Green after a shop visit. It was one of ten older units to receive the last scheme used by the Reading. The units were conveyed to Conrail in 1976 and worked continuously until retirement in 1991 when Conrail purged their roster of EMD units equipped with 567 prime movers.
EMD SW1200 #2715
EMD SW1200 #678
Unit 2719, as with other units, was resold and found a home on the Stockton Terminal Eastern Railroad (STER) in California as their 678. In 2019 a program to achieve cleaner air quality through retirement of older diesel locomotives was pursued and the unit was retired. The RCT&HS Motive Power and Rail Equipment partnered with STER to have the unit shipped to the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in 2020. The unit is good shape and awaits repainting into Reading Company colors.
EMD SW1200 Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
Electro-Motive Division
General Motors
LaGrange, IL
Date Built:
Fall 1963
Builder’s #:
28416
Engine:
Model 567C
2-stroke diesel
12 cylinder
Horsepower:
1200
Top Speed:
60 mph
Weight:
246,120 lbs.
Continuous Tractive Effort:
61,530 lbs.
Length:
44’5″
Fuel:
930 gallons
Lube Oil:
165 gallons
Water:
223 gallons
Aspiration:
Roots blower
Bore x Stroke:
8.5″ x 10″
Displacement:
1020 c.i.
Idle Speed:
275 rpm
Max Speed:
800 rpm
Transmission:
DC generator, DC traction motor
Brake System:
Westinghouse 26L Air