3rl proto3 SW1500 cab# 1556 blue/yellow
EMD, famous for its successful production of quality locomotives, hit the target once again when the company introduced the SW1500 and its cousin the SW1000 on January 1, 1966. These locomotives were the latest in the SW line of switchers that had been tremendously popular since the mid-1930s. Under their hoods throbbed EMD's new 645E prime mover; the SW1500 sported a 12-cylinder version that developed 1500 hp. The list of optional equipment for the SW1500 - which included a larger fuel tank, smoother-riding trucks, and ballasting to add weight - suggests that EMD expected the locomotive to be used as a true road switcher. Many railroads did just that.
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