Chris Guss Photo
EMD F40C Metra (METX) #611, originally built as Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific (Milwaukee Road) #611 in 1974 by General Motors Electro Motive Division (EMD), was recently donated by our friends at Metra to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in January of 2026.
Only 15 F40C locomotives were ever produced, all for the Chicago-area Milwaukee Road commuter lines, and #611 is one of just two that survive today. The F40C was designed exclusively for commuter rail service – featuring a full-width “cowl” body and stainless-steel side panels to visually match the bi-level gallery passenger coaches. Each F40C is equipped with a 16-cylinder EMD 645E3B prime mover generating 3,200 horsepower, and an on-board head-end power (HEP) generator to supply electricity for passenger cars.
Metra retired most of the F40Cs by 2004 in favor of modern locomotives, retaining only #611 and #614 as operational spares. Both were briefly reactivated in 2009 to assist during a fleet rebuild program, before being permanently retired in 2012 and stored at Metra’s Western Avenue yard in Chicago.
In January of 2026, Metra announced that #611 will be donated to RRHMA-Silvis for further preservation, and operational restoration.
EMD F40C #611 Specs:
| Power | Diesel-Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Electro Motive Division |
| Model | F40C |
| Build date | 1974 |
| Total Built | 15 |
| Configuration | C-C |
| Length | 68 ft 10 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 10 ft 4 in |
| Height | 15 ft 7.5 in |
| Loco weight | 364,000 lb |
| Prime Mover | EMD 16-645E3B |
| Power Output | 3,200 HP |
| Traction Motors | GM-D77 |
| Tractive Effort | 82,100 lbs @ 6.6 mph |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 95 mph |
| Fuel Capacity | 3,200 gal. |
| Lube Oil Capacity | 243 gal. |
| Wheel Diameter | 40″ |
| AirBrake Type | Westinghouse 26L |
If you would like to support the restoration of #611 or any other equipment at RRHMA-Silvis and preserve railroading history, become a member or donate today!
