The Most Successful Locomotive, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the locomotive you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:58

In the intricate world of rail transport, the effectiveness of a locomotive can significantly impact both efficiency and reliability. For enthusiasts, historians, and industry professionals alike, understanding which engines have excelled is not just a matter of curiosity but of practical insight. Ranking these powerful machines helps to highlight key innovations and operational excellence that have shaped railroading through the ages. Through such rankings, users gain a dynamic tool for comparing the myriad features and historical impacts of different locomotives. This interactive access supports a deeper appreciation and knowledge, encouraging more informed discussions and decisions within the community. By voting on these rankings, individuals can contribute to a community-driven assessment, helping to identify which locomotives have truly left a mark on the tracks of history.

What Is the Most Successful Locomotive?

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94
votes
The General Electric Evolution Series

The Evolution Series is one of the most successful diesel-electric locomotives in the world, known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions. It has been used by major railroads in North America, Europe, and Asia.
The General Electric Evolution Series is a line of diesel-electric locomotives designed and manufactured by General Electric Transportation. It is one of the most successful locomotive series in the world, renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and advanced technology.

Model: ES44AC/DC

Power output: 4,400-4,680 horsepower

Maximum speed: 70-80 mph

Tractive effort: 180,000-196,000 lb

Weight: 198,000-432,000 lb
2

27
votes
S.L. Dixon · CC BY-SA 3.0

The EMD SD40-2

The SD40-2 was one of the most popular locomotives of the 1970s and 1980s, and is still in use today. It was known for its reliability and versatility, and was used by many North American railroads.
The EMD SD40-2 is a highly successful diesel-electric locomotive that was built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors. It was a part of EMD's Dash 2 series, which introduced several design upgrades over its predecessor models, making it one of the most reliable and versatile locomotives in the history of North American railroads.

Power output: 3,000 horsepower

Engine: EMD 16-645E3 2-stroke turbocharged V16

Maximum speed: 70 miles per hour (110 km/h)

Tractive effort: 64,000 pounds (290 kN)

Weight: 389,000 pounds (176,450 kg)
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27
votes
Augy8400 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The EMD GP38-2

The GP38-2 is another popular diesel-electric locomotive, known for its simplicity and reliability. It was produced in large numbers and used by many North American railroads.
The EMD GP38-2 is a highly successful diesel-electric locomotive that was built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors. It was designed for use in North American freight and switching operations. With its distinctive boxy appearance, the GP38-2 quickly became a popular choice among railroads for its versatility and reliability. The locomotive was produced between 1972 and 1986, with over 2,200 units built.

Power output: 2,000 horsepower (1,490 kW)

Engine: EMD 645E3 16-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine

Fuel capacity: 2,100 gallons (7,950 liters)

Weight: 132 tons (119.7 metric tons)

Length: 56 feet 2 inches (17.1 meters)
4

12
votes
The EMD F7

The F7 was a popular diesel-electric locomotive in the 1940s and 1950s, known for its sleek design and powerful performance. It was used by many North American railroads, including the legendary Santa Fe Railway.
The EMD F7 is a highly successful diesel-electric locomotive that was manufactured by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors from 1949 to 1953. It was commonly used for both freight and passenger service across North America.

Power output: 2,000 horsepower

Prime mover: EMD 567B 16-cylinder

Cylinders: V16

Maximum speed: 65 mph (105 km/h)

Length: 50 feet 8 inches (15.44 m)
5

26
votes
No producer named on front or back of card. · Public domain

The Baldwin Locomotive Works

Matthias W. Baldwin

Baldwin was a major manufacturer of steam locomotives in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its locomotives were known for their power and durability, and were used by many railroads around the world.
The Baldwin Locomotive Works was a renowned American manufacturer of steam locomotives. It was established in 1831 by Matthias W. Baldwin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company quickly gained prominence in the industry and became one of the most successful locomotive builders in North America.

Year Established: 1831

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Specialization: Steam locomotive manufacturing

Innovation: Introduced numerous locomotive design improvements

Production Volume: Over 70,000 locomotives built
6

10
votes
Association of American Railroads (railroad trade association)/photo by Union Pacific Railroad. · Public domain

The Union Pacific Big Boy

American Locomotive Company

The Big Boy was one of the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built, and was used by the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1940s and 1950s. It is still regarded as an engineering marvel and a symbol of American industrial might.
The Union Pacific Big Boy is a famous and historic steam locomotive that was built and operated by the American Union Pacific Railroad. It is considered one of the most successful and powerful locomotives ever built.

Type: Steam locomotive

Build year: 1941-1944

Number built: 25

Wheel arrangement: 4-8-8-4

Total weight: 1.2 million lbs (approx. 545 metric tons)
7

14
votes
Phil Sangwell · CC BY 2.0

The British Rail Class 37

English Electric Company

The Class 37 is a diesel-electric locomotive that was used by British Rail in the 1960s and 1970s. It was known for its reliability and versatility, and was used for both passenger and freight service.
The British Rail Class 37, also known as the English Electric Type 3, is a diesel-electric locomotive that was introduced by British Rail in the 1960s. It was primarily used for both freight and passenger services across the United Kingdom.

Power output: 1,750 hp

Maximum speed: 90 mph

Weight: 105 tons

Length: 57 ft 0 in

Height: 12 ft 9 in
8

11
votes
Steffs88 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The German Class 103

The Class 103 is a high-speed electric locomotive that was used by Deutsche Bahn in the 1970s and 1980s. It was known for its speed and reliability, and was used for both passenger and freight service.
The German Class 103, also known as the E03, is a high-speed electric locomotive that was developed by AEG, BBC, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, and Siemens. It was primarily used in Germany for long-distance passenger services. The Class 103 was introduced in 1970 and quickly gained recognition as one of the most successful locomotives in the world.

Top Speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)

Power Output: 7,440 kW (9,972 hp)

Electric System: 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC

Tractive Effort: 300 kN (67,000 lbf)

Weight: 118 tonnes (260,145 lbs)
9

3
votes
Nanashinodensyaku · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Japanese Shinkansen

The Shinkansen is a network of high-speed trains that has been in operation in Japan since the 1960s. It is known for its speed, reliability, and safety, and has been a major factor in the economic development of Japan.
The Japanese Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, is a high-speed railway system in Japan. It revolutionized train travel with its remarkable speed, efficiency, and safety. The system serves as a model for high-speed railways worldwide.

Maximum Speed: 320 km/h (200 mph)

Average Speed: 240 km/h (150 mph)

Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8.5 in)

Power System: 25 kV AC electrification

Track Length: 2,764 km (1,717 mi)
10

4
votes
S23725 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The French TGV

The TGV is a high-speed train that has been in operation in France since the 1980s. It is known for its speed and comfort, and has been a major factor in the growth of high-speed rail travel in Europe.
The French TGV, also known as Train à Grande Vitesse, is a high-speed railway system in France. It is one of the most successful locomotives in the world, known for its remarkable speed and efficiency.

Top Speed: 357.2 mph (574.8 km/h)

Power Output: 25,000 kW (33,510 hp)

Length: 200 m (656 ft)

Weight: 385 metric tons (425 short tons)

Capacity: up to 1,020 passengers

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Ranking factors for successful locomotive

Reliability

The locomotive should be reliable and have a good track record of performance over time.
Efficiency

The locomotive should be fuel-efficient and have low maintenance costs.
Power

The locomotive should have sufficient power to haul heavy loads over long distances.
Maintenance

The locomotive should be easy to maintain and repair.
Safety

The locomotive should have a good safety record and be equipped with the latest safety features.
Environmental impact

The locomotive should have a low environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards.
Economic impact

The locomotive should have a positive economic impact on the railway industry, such as reducing transportation costs and increasing revenue.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful locomotive. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or locomotive is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1959 views
227 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each locomotive once every 24 hours. The rank of each locomotive is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful locomotive

Locomotives have been an essential part of transportation since the early 19th century. The steam locomotive was the first successful type of locomotive, but it was eventually replaced by diesel and electric locomotives. The most successful locomotive is subjective and depends on various factors such as speed, power, and efficiency. However, some of the most notable locomotives include the Union Pacific Big Boy, the British Rail Class 43 (HST), and the German DB Class 103. These locomotives have set records and have become iconic symbols of their respective countries' railway systems. Today, modern locomotives continue to evolve and improve, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact.