Equipment Information

Chicago & North Western 515 is a 1953-built E8A passenger locomotive. It was initially used to pull intercity passenger trains and was later reassigned to service hauling trains of bi-level commuter cars from Chicago to its suburbs. It ended its regular service career with Metra. The locomotive came to IRM for preservation in 2021 and currently wears the colors of a later tourist railroad owner. It is the museum’s only type E8A locomotive.

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Chicago & North Western 515 details

Builder: Electro Motive Division GM
Year Built: 1953
Model: E-8A
Horsepower: 2250
Length: 70ft 3in
Width: 10ft 6in
Height: 14ft
Weight: 340,000 lbs
Trucks: Blomberg A1A
Description: Diesel-Electric
Arrived: 2021
Condition: Complete / restored / not operational

Read more about the history of this engine in Rail & Wire #273

Chicago & North Western 515 Ownership History

1953-1974 – Chicago & North Western #5029B
1974-1980 – Chicago & North Western #515
1980-1985 – Regional Transportation Authority #515
1985-c1993 – Metra #515
c1993-2010 – National Railway Equipment, Silvis, IL
2010-2012 – Arizona Eastern #6070
2012-2021 – Iowa Pacific #515
2021-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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