Pennsylvania Railroad’s E8 Locomotive

Pennsylvania Railroad’s #5809 on the Norfolk Southern Harrisburg Line!

General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) produced 421 A units (cab versions) and 39 B units over a period of 5 years spanning 1949 to 1954. It is estimated that only about 58 of these E8 units still survive today and are located in assorted museums around the country.

The EMD E7, E8, and E9 locomotives were all nicknamed “bulldog nose” because of the their distinct front end profile.

Some E8 locomotive characteristics include:

• Builder: General Motors Electro-Motive Division
• Horse power: 2,250
• Maximum speed: 85-117 mph
• Locomotive weight:315,000 lbs
• Tractive effort: 56,500 lbf

Let us know if you have had the opportunity to take a excursion behind PRR’s #5809. We would love to hear about your experience!