The E8 was a 2,250-horsepower, A1A-A1A passenger locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of La Grange, Illinois. A total of 450 cab versions, or E8As, from August 1949 to January 1954. The 2,250 hp came from two 12 cylinder model 567B engines, each driving a generator to power the two traction motors on one truck. The E8 was the ninth model in the line of passenger diesels of similar design known as EMD E-units. In profile the front of the nose of the E8, is less slanted than earlier EMD units and has been nicknamed "bulldog nose" units. After passenger trains were canceled on the Erie Lackawanna in 1970 their E8s were re-geared for freight and were very reliable for the EL. These units were on freight trains until the early years of Conrail. Amtrak used E8s until the late 70s.
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