Central Locomotive

New York Central Locomotive #4085 is a diesel electric locomotive built by General Motors, Electric Motor Division, in August 1953. It’s one of sixty E-8 locomotives bought by the New York Central during its motor-power transition from steam to diesel. The designation E-8 is a model number. Two twelve-cylinder diesel engines in the locomotive each turn a generator, providing power to electric motors on the locomotive’s axel. Thus, the term “diesel electric.” On December 3, 1967, the 4085 was the lead engine on the final eastbound twentieth century Limited, which was regarded as the nation’s premiere passenger train. The 4085 was later sold to New Jersey Transit, a commuter railroad, and was acquired by the NNYCRM in 1989.