Atlantic Coast Line 501

Atlantic Coast Line 501
Atlantic Coast Line No. 501 at the Washington Union Station in 2008
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderElectro-Motive Company
ModelE3
Build dateNovember 1939
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARA1A-A1A
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Prime moverTwo 12-cylinder 567
Engine typeTwo-stroke diesel
AspirationRoots blower
Performance figures
Power output2,000 hp (1,491 kW)
Career
OperatorsAtlantic Coast Line Railroad, Wisconsin Western Railroad
Numbers501-A
NicknamesThe Champion
Retired1970
Current ownerNorth Carolina Department of Transportation
DispositionOperational

Atlantic Coast Line 501 is an EMC E3 diesel locomotive built in November 1939 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It was notable for being the sole EMC E3 survivor, though it was rebuilt into an E6 after delivery.

The No. 501 locomotive spent its career pulling the Champion. After retirement from regular service in 1970, the unit was restored to its, as delivered, purple and silver colors by owner Glenn Monhart. In the 1980s, the engine operated on the Wisconsin Western Railroad, a short-lived heritage railway. It is currently operational at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina.

References

  1. ↑ "Atlantic Coast Line #501". CSX.com. Retrieved September 17, 2017.