model:

builder:

built:

builder number:

prime mover:

horsepower:

operating weight:

length:

max. speed

NW2u (u - upgraded by WP)

Electro-Motive Corporation

May 1940

1000

EMC 567 - 12 cylinder

as built 1000, upgraded to 1200

248,000 lbs.

44 ft. 5 in.

60 MPH

Well travelled locomotive 608 was built before World War II for the Union Pacific Railroad.  It was, in fact, only the second diesel locomotive to be wholly owned by the UP, all previous diesels having been owned with other railroads for joint passenger trains.  Numbered DS-1001, this sturdy switcher worked for the Union Pacific until the late 1960's, when newer models replaced it.

The 1001, and older sister UP 1000, were sold to the Stockton Terminal and Eastern, a shortline railroad in Stockton, California which still operates today and interchanged much traffic with the Western Pacific.  The two switchers were intended to replace the ST&E's stable of smaller locomotives, but were in poor condition and proved hard on the track.  A switcher built by the Alco company was borrowed from the WP and proved perfect for the ST&E.  A trade in late 1968 brought two ex-WP Alcos to the shortline in exchange for the ex-UP switchers.  Renumbered to Western Pacific 607 and 608, they were completely rebuilt by the railroad, including an upgrading to 1200 horsepower from their original 1000.

The two rebuilt switchers served until the end of the Western Pacific, although the 607 was transferred to subsidiary Sacramento Northern in 1973.  Donated to the FRRS in 1984, 608 quickly acquired the nickname "Bing", in honor of Bing Crosby, due to its unique, "va-va-va-vooo" sound when accelerating.