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PRR 5711 and 5809: Bennet Levin's Iconic E8As

Published: July 8, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Pennsylvania Railroad has long been celebrated for its innovation and contributions to the railroading industry, and among its most distinguished assets were its fleet of streamlined E8s acquired in the 1950s for passenger service..

Specifically, units 5711 and 5809 hold a special place in the annals of American railroading history, regularly hosting excursions - typically Amtrak specials - from the mid-1990s through the late 2010s.

Owned by Bennett Levin's Juniata Terminal, these iconic locomotives encapsulate the rich legacy of the PRR through their storied operational history, their acquisition and maintenance by Levin, and their vibrant second life in excursion service before their ultimate retirement due to Positive Train Control (PTC) requirements.

Bennett Levin's pair of restored Pennsylvania E8A's, #5711 and #5809, travel through Mifflin, Pennsylvania as they head towards Chicago for National Train Day; May 4, 2011. Reuben Brouse photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Origins and Service on the Pennsylvania Railroad

The E8A models, produced by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors, were introduced to the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The E8As were part of the iconic E-unit series, renowned for their streamlined designs and robust performance capabilities.

Units 5711 (built in 5/1952, serial 16780) and 5809 (built in 1/1951, serial 13102) quickly became workhorses, hauling passenger trains across the extensive PRR network, including prestigious services like the Broadway Limited, which connected New York City and Chicago.

With their 2,250 horsepower engines, the E8As symbolized the cutting-edge of diesel-electric locomotive technology at the time. They efficiently bridged the transition from steam to diesel power, allowing PRR to maintain and even enhance its reputation for punctuality and reliability in passenger services.

Conrail's "Office Car Special" (OCS) business train, led by #4020 (ex-5809) wore a simple Brunswick green livery with gold lettering, powered by former Pennsylvania E8As. It is seen here inspecting the Popes Creek Secondary near Upper Marlboro, Maryland on October 8, 1991. Wade Massie photo.

Acquisition by Bennett Levin and Juniata Terminal

The story of 5711 and 5809 took an intriguing turn when Bennett Levin, a rail enthusiast and preserver of railway heritage, acquired the units.

Levin’s passion for railroading history and his commitment to preservation were unmatched. Under the aegis of Juniata Terminal, these locomotives underwent meticulous restoration following their time leading Conrail's Office Car Specials, which concluded in the early 1990s.

The restoration process was painstaking, with each locomotive being carefully dismantled, inspected, and rebuilt to ensure historical accuracy and operational excellence. Levin’s devotion transformed 5711 and 5809 into rejuvenated gems, capable of not only static display but also active participation in railway heritage events.

Excursion Service Highlights

In their new lease on life, 5711 and 5809 became stars of the excursion railway scene. Their gleaming PRR livery drew crowds of rail enthusiasts, historians, and families alike. The locomotives facilitated a myriad of fan trips, often paired with vintage passenger cars, offering a nostalgic journey through the scenic vistas of the Northeast.

These excursions were more than mere joyrides; they were mobile museums, showcasing the legacy of passenger rail travel and educating the public about the essential role of the PRR in American transportation history.

Veterans of the rail industry and newcomers alike shared in the experience, creating an intergenerational bond over a shared appreciation for these historical machines.

The locomotives could regularly be found showcased at National Train Day once held in major cities like Chicago, leading Amtrak specials, and proudly hosting other railfan-sponsored excursions under the guise of the "Liberty Limited."

The Challenge of Positive Train Control

However, the dawn of modern rail safety standards in the form of Positive Train Control (PTC) heralded significant challenges for these vintage machines. PTC is a sophisticated system designed to automatically control train speeds and movements, thereby preventing collisions, derailments, and unauthorized train movements.

While it unquestionably enhances safety, the integration of PTC posed insurmountable hurdles for older locomotives like 5711 and 5809.  

The technological complexity and substantial financial costs associated with retrofitting these vintage units with PTC proved prohibitive. As a result, Levin and Juniata Terminal stated in 2018 the locomotives would not be upgraded with the technology, effectively retiring them from active excursion service.

A Graceful Retirement

Despite their retirement, 5711 and 5809 are far from forgotten. Their legacy endures in the annals of railroad history and in the hearts of those who experienced their journeys.

As preserved locomotives, they continue to serve as educational tools and historical artifacts, testifying to the golden era of rail travel and the enduring legacy of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Today, they can occasionally still be found leading local excursions in New Jersey but are no longer the national celebrities of year's past.

Nevertheless, Levin’s efforts ensured that these E8As were not merely preserved but celebrated, allowing future generations to appreciate the ingenuity and grandeur of mid-20th-century rail travel.

In the broader narrative of American railroads, the journey of 5711 and 5809—from their initial service, through meticulous restoration, to their influential roles in excursion service, and eventual retirement—composes a chapter rich with innovation, passion, and perseverance.

Their story underscores the enduring allure of railroads and the diligence required to preserve this vital piece of industrial heritage for posterity.