Preserved EMD F7 Locomotives: Where to See These Classic Diesels Today

Preserved EMD F7 Locomotives: Where to See These Classic Diesels Today



The EMD F7 was one of the most successful diesel locomotives in American history. Built between 1949 and 1953 by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors, it helped railroads transition from steam to diesel power. While most F7s were retired by the 1970s, several have been preserved and can still be seen today in museums and heritage railroads.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous preserved EMD F7 locomotives and where you can see them in action.

Why Was the EMD F7 Important?

The F7 was known for its 1,500-horsepower 16-567B engine, streamlined "bulldog nose" design, and reliability in freight and passenger service. Over 3,800 F7s were built, making it one of the most widely used diesel locomotives of its time.

Where to See Preserved EMD F7 Locomotives

Several F7 units have been restored and are displayed in museums or still operate on heritage railroads. Here are some of the best places to see them:

1. Santa Fe 347C – California State Railroad Museum (Sacramento, CA)

One of the most famous preserved F7s, Santa Fe 347C, is on display at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. It wears the iconic Santa Fe warbonnet red-and-silver livery, one of the most recognizable paint schemes in rail history.

  • Status: Static display
  • Significance: Represents Santa Fe’s streamlined passenger trains, like the Super Chief

2. Western Pacific 921-D – Western Pacific Railroad Museum (Portola, CA)

WP 921-D is an operational EMD F7 at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. It was originally built in 1950 and was used for freight service on the Western Pacific Railroad.

  • Status: Operational
  • Significance: One of the few working F7s that still runs today

3. Nickel Plate Road 190 – Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Ohio)

This F7 is still in active service, pulling passenger trains on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR). Nickel Plate Road 190 is part of a fleet of vintage locomotives that offer scenic rides through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

  • Status: Operational
  • Significance: One of the last F7s still running in regular excursion service

4. B&O 722 & 725 – B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, MD)

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum is home to two preserved F7 locomotives, B&O 722 and 725. These locomotives represent the B&O Railroad’s early diesel fleet, which replaced steam locomotives in the 1950s.

  • Status: Static display
  • Significance: Part of one of the most famous American railroad museums

5. Reading 902 & 903 – Reading & Northern Railroad (Pennsylvania)

These former Reading Company F7 locomotives were restored by the Reading & Northern Railroad. They are sometimes used for excursion trains, offering a rare chance to ride behind an F7 in Pennsylvania coal country.

  • Status: Occasionally operational
  • Significance: One of the few working F7 pairs still in excursion service

Why Are These Locomotives Preserved?

The F7 is a symbol of America’s transition from steam to diesel, making it a key part of railroad history. Rail enthusiasts and museums work hard to restore and maintain these locomotives so that future generations can experience them.

How to See an F7 in Action

  • Visit a railroad museum that has an F7 on display.
  • Ride an excursion train pulled by a preserved F7, such as on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
  • Attend railroad heritage events, where some museums operate their F7s for special occasions.

Conclusion

The EMD F7 was one of the most important locomotives of the 20th century, and thanks to railroad museums and heritage railroads, you can still see these classics today. Whether you want to view an F7 up close or take a ride behind one, these preserved units offer a glimpse into railroading’s golden age.

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