my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Southern Pacific SW-8

20 units delivered

In 1950 EMD rolled out their SW8, a 567B powered 800 hp switcher, they also demonstrated a 'cow and calf' set designated TR-6 based on the SW-8.

Southern Pacific received 3 orders of SW-8's, numbered in the freight series. #4623 depicted on page 278 of SP Dieselization by Garmany, has the following options:

• Barrel headlights,
• Sealed beam horizontal headlight,
• 2 sets of Numberboards,
• MU capable,
• Dropsteps, and assoc. end handrails.
• Full length handrails,
• and dynamic brakes.

It also appears to be in Orange tiger Stripes, but with aluminum ends.

There are definitely differences between orders, as regards type and number of headlights and numberboards, SP 1113 as depicted in Extra 2200 South, Issue 56, Jan/Feb/Mar. 1976 - SP Roster, Part III, looks more like a T&NO detailed unit.

Yreka Western #20 ex SP #?

Stan Rothwell Notes: "the single stack (8 cylinder 567) and the dynamic brake grid just forward of the cab; SP had d/b equipped SW8's for their Oregon operations, as well as the San Diego and Arizona Eastern. These units supplanted the GE 70-tonners when they were delivered in 1952-1953."

Prototype References:

• EMD's SW8 by Paul K Withers (Diesel Era) - pages 43 - 47, photo coverage some text.
• 1977 SP Review by Joe Strapac - EMC/EMD switchers of the SP
• SP Dieselization by Garmany - Chapter 9 Postwar Diesel Switchers.
• Extra 2200 South, Issue 54, Oct/Nov/Dec. 1975 - SP Roster, Part I
• Extra 2200 South, Issue 56, Jan/Feb/Mar. 1976 - SP Roster, Part III
• Model Railroader Cyclopedia Vol.2 Page 36 - Plans for a non-dynamic SW-8.

Additional Information on this Page contributed by Bruce Conklin.