The EMD 567 Engine That Silenced Steam in 1938

Video Description

The EMD 567 arrived in 1938 and changed North American railroading. Built by Electro-Motive Division in La Grange, this two-stroke, uniflow-scavenged diesel used a Roots blower, unit injectors, and 567 cubic inches per cylinder to deliver smooth power and easy service. In 1939 the FT demonstrator proved the case for diesel-electric locomotives in real freight service, showing railroads that a prime mover could outwork steam with better uptime and lower life-cycle costs. What silenced steam was not a single headline number, it was system economics. The 567’s modular power assemblies let shops swap cylinders fast, rebuild off line, and return units to service quickly. Standardized parts, gear-driven accessories, clear documentation, and multiple-unit control meant fewer shop hours per mile and more trains moved per day. Paired with reliable traction motors and straightforward electrical gear, the EMD package delivered availability, predictable fuel burn, and consistent performance across climates and territories. The 567 powered the FT, F3, F7, E units, SW switchers, and later the GP7 and GP9 that took dieselization deep into branch lines and yards. Railroads could scale fleets with 8, 12, or 16-cylinder versions, then extend service life with later upgrades that fit 645-series power assemblies in 567 crankcases. This video explains how the 567’s design choices, maintenance model, and fleet strategy beat steam on the only scoreboard that mattered to railroads, cost per ton-mile and trains delivered on time. #emdlocomotive --------- We do not fully own the material compiled in this video. It belongs to individuals or organizations that deserve respect and consideration. We use it under the Copyright Disclaimer Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976. "Fair use" is allowed for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, and research. #vintageamericanmachines #vintagefarmequipment #vintageengines