I am doing some research on locomotives and know enough to find a builder’s plate on or around the front end engineer side of the boiler (if steam) or the front end, engineer side of a diesel.
But I am frankly envious of the folks that can list the geneology of a specific locomotive. So my question is, what sources are you guys using? I want to trace a couple of diesels back to their origins, with railroad assignments, etc. Thanks!
Erik
Hi Erik - Magazines like Extra 2200 South and Diesel Era include roster features, that trace the lineage of the locos on a particular road; they’ve also done features on specific models (say E8s) where they provide order number, B/N and B/D info that lets you track an engine. There were also product reference data guides put out by the builders that gaven O/N and date info, which was another way of tracing a unit. Another source can be the motive power annuals published for roads like BN, BNSF, SP, UP, etc. - Art
Thanks, Art. I will be looking your sources up!
Erik
Erik,Here are the websites for Extra 2200 South and Diesel Era.
http://www.railfax.com/ For Back Issues from #1-#90
http://www.extra2200south.com/ For Issues #91 to Present
http://www.witherspublishing.com/catalog/ For Diesel Era
Extra 2200 South was and is the premier locomotive news magazine with rosters,photos,and other info including RR#'s,Bldr #'s,Dates,and a lot more.They also had Additions and corrections in each issue.The 1970’s issues (from #20 onward to about #70) were the best.
Diesel Era is a good magazine,a lot of the same data,but cross reference for errors.
Have a good one.
Bill B
EMD’s are easy, you have the frame number and the builders plate to go with…ALCo’s and GE’s are trouble if the b/p is gone.
The Extra 2200 files are impressive to go through. Dick Will, The Dovers and Jerry Pinkpank gave the present magazine a super foundation to work with.
Thanks, guys. Great sources all. Erik