The Southern #6133 is one of the highlights of the NC Transportation museum’s diesel locomotive collection. This photo was captured onsite at the museum before our short cab ride excursion through the grounds of the old Southern Railway Spencer Shops in Hickory, NC. You can view the video of the cab ride on my YouTube Channel, or the embedded link at the end of this post.

This FP-7 type locomotive was built by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in 1950. Despite operation by the Southern Railway, the 6133 was the property of the CNO&TP (Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway). The FP designation meant the locomotive could be used for freight or passenger trains, using a 567-B 16 cylinder prime mover, generating 1500 horsepower. A steam generator is placed at the rear of the locomotive, increased body length by four feet. FP-7 locomotives were used for small branch-line and secondary mainline service throughout the Southern Railway. By the late 1970s, very few FP-7s were left on the roster due to Southern eliminating many passenger trains, and implementation of second generation diesels on freight trains. The remaining FP7’s were used for excursion trains as extra power for the Southern’s Steam Program. Donated to the NCTMF in 1980, 6133 was restored by NCTM volunteers to its original green/imitation aluminum paint scheme. It is used to pull the train ride around the property when needed.

Built: 1950

Railroad/Owner: Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Texas Pacific Railway (Southern Railway)

Area of Operation: entire Southern Railway System, (SOU Piedmont Division in late 1970’s)

Year of Acquisition: 1980