The Illinois Railway Museum is raising money to restore its Union Pacific DD40X “Centennial” to operation. UP 6930 was one of 47 eight-axle locomotives built by EMD in 1969. Since that year marked the 100th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, they were called “Centennials.” The engines operated for a decade before being retired in 1980. Three years later, 25 of the DD40Xs were brought back into service and operated for another two years. Among them was 6930. 

After the unit was permanently retired, UP removed its traction motors, wheels, and prime movers to be used on other units. The locomotive was donated to IRM in 1991 with worn-out components but a mostly intact electrical system. In 2005, IRM restored 6930 to become a cab car. Now, the museum aims to complete that restoration and is raising funds to do so. The museum has two replacement prime movers donated by Progress Rail, ready to be installed. However, they still need eight traction motors, and a full cosmetic restoration will be required.

For more information, visit irm.org/revive-the-centennial/.