EMC E1A

These are N scale 3D printable files for the Electro-Motive Corporation EMC E1A — the locomotive that launched the modern American passenger diesel era, built exclusively for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and found nowhere else on earth. Designed to fit on a Kato E unit frame.

The E1 was the first production model in what would become the legendary EMD E-series passenger locomotive family — a lineage that would dominate American passenger railroading for the next three decades. Built in 1937 by the Electro-Motive Corporation (shortly before it became a division of General Motors), the E1 was developed specifically for high-speed passenger service, powered by a pair of EMC 12-567 prime movers and riding on an A1A-A1A truck arrangement that gave it a smooth, stable ride at the high speeds demanded by the premier passenger trains of the era.

The Santa Fe was the sole customer for the entire E1 production run — 8 E1A cab units and 3 E1B booster units, 11 locomotives in total. No other railroad owned an E1 in any configuration. Every E1 ever built wore the Santa Fe's breathtaking red and silver warbonnet livery — designed by industrial artist Leland Knickerbocker and later refined by Sterling McDonald — one of the most recognized and beloved paint schemes in railroad history.

The Santa Fe's E1s were delivered to power the new Super Chief — the all-Pullman, all-streamlined flagship train between Chicago and Los Angeles that became the most glamorous passenger train in America. The Super Chief's passengers included Hollywood stars, business executives, and anyone who wanted to travel between the two cities in the ultimate style. The E1A was the direct ancestor of every E-series locomotive that followed — the E2 through E9 — and its success proved beyond doubt that the diesel-electric locomotive could replace steam on America's premier passenger trains.

The perfect companion to the EMC E1B booster unit also available from Out of the Box Models, allowing you to build a complete and prototypically accurate A-B or A-B-A Super Chief consist.

After purchase, your digital files will be available for immediate direct download from your order confirmation. These files are for Personal Use Only — if you are interested in a commercial license, please contact us.

Please allow a few weeks for 3D printing and shipping. Decals are shipped separately — please allow some additional time for decal printing and shipping after ordering.