East Broad Top Railroad

Our Diesel Locomotives

Until the first diesel was purchased, motorcar M-1 had been used to do switching in the yard. Realizing the importance of the M-1, M-4 was purchased to take over regular switching duties. Other diesels were purchased including the similar M-6. In the 1990's, a group of four GE center cabs was purchased. One of those became M-7, and the other three were eventually sold.

No. M-4
Built 1947
Plymouth 12-tonner
M-4 is a 2-axle Plymouth diesel-mechanical purchased during tourist years to perform switching duties when firing a steam locomotive was not practical. Prior to M-4's arrival, M-1 was occasionally used for switching. Here M-4 pulls #15 out of the roundhouse for crews to install new tubes in the boiler during her overhaul.

No. M-6
Built 1969
Plymouth 16-tonner
M-6 is similar in looks to M-4, but that is where the similarities end. M-6 is diesel-hydraulic and has air brakes. This critter was brought back to life in 2005 after 8 years or so of storage and since then can be seen on weekdays and sometimes weekends doing light switching. M-6 is preparing to shove #15 inside the roundhouse after being blown down.

No. M-7
Built 1964
General-Electric 55-tonner
This General Electric center-cab switcher was originally built as a 50-tonner, but a previous owner increased its weight to 55 tons. It is diesel-electric and is used as our heavy duty yard switcher and on rare occasion must substitute for a steam engine. In recent years M-7 can be seen operating along side our steam engine during the Fall Spectacular.