SP 1518 (SD7) leads the caboose train through Johnson siding during the Illinois Railway Museum's 2025 Diesel Days event.

SP SD7 1518 sits on display at IRM.

My 1970 Chevelle and SP 1518 pose next to each other on Labor day eve 2020.

At 69 years old, SP 1518 still earns its keep at the Illinois Railway Museum, being used occasionally on their mainline trains. On August 16th, 1518 was put to work on the coach train, following a... (more)

SP 1518 leads the caboose train east past Johnson siding.

The very first SD type locomotive, built in May 1951 as General Motors Electro-Motive Division's prototype Demonstrator #990. The 1518 is viewed here in yard 2 at IRM.

SP 1518 leads the caboose train east of Union.

SP 1518 rests at IRM.

Thank goodness for railway museums and their ability to keep and show locomotives that would otherwise be lost to the scrappers torch. SP 1518, the first SD7 built, pulls a short freight at Diesel... (more)

Most of the diesel days power sits awaiting the event to start

The 1518 was the first "SD" unit produced by EMD. Built in 1951 and after many years of service on the Southern Pacific the 1518 now resides at the Illinois Railway Museum and operates ... (more)

SP 1518 on the coach train at the Illinois Railway Museum.

SP 1518, the first SD-Series locomotive, sits at the Illinois Railway Museum

The first "SD" built, May 1951. Late evening sun highlights another of the historic units at the Illinois Railway Museum.

Southern Pacific 1518, the first SD7 ever built, is powering the Illinois Railway Museum's demonstration trains on Memorial Day weekend. This unit has not been restored but is a great locomotive, ... (more)