EMD NW2

The EMD NW2 is a 1,000 horsepower diesel-electric switcher locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) between February 1939 and December 1949. It was the successor to the NW1, offering increased power and improved design.

The NW2 was primarily intended for switching duties in rail yards and industrial settings. It featured a distinctive low hood, providing excellent visibility for the engineer, and typically had a cab at one end only. The locomotive was powered by an EMD 567 engine, a V8 two-stroke diesel.

Approximately 1,145 units were built for various railroads in the United States and Canada. Many NW2s remained in service for decades, and some are still operational today, often in short-line or industrial railways. Their robustness and ease of maintenance contributed to their longevity.

Key features of the EMD NW2 included:

• Horsepower: 1,000 hp
• Engine: EMD 567 V8 diesel engine
• Wheel Arrangement: B-B (four axles, each independently powered)
• Applications: Switching, yard work, industrial rail operations
• Hood Design: Low hood for enhanced visibility

The NW2 is considered a classic example of early diesel locomotive design and played a significant role in the transition from steam to diesel power in North American railroads.