New Haven RS3 529
Number: 529
Original Railroad: New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad
Successor Railroads: Penn Central, Amtrak
Model: RS-3
Year: 1950
Builder: Alco - GE
Power: 1,600hp
Built as New Haven 529 in August 1950 and rebuilt and upgraded by ALCO in 1959. It served the New Haven’s entire system (including the Waterbury-Torrington-Winsted line) until January 1, 1969, when Penn Central took over operations of the New Haven. Renumbered as PC 5536, it was transferred to Amtrak on April 1, 1976, and was used as a utility and work train locomotive (Amtrak 1338 then 138) until retirement in August 1985. It was purchased by the RMNE in September 1985 and has been part of the collection since that time. NH 529 was repainted in NH colors in 1995 and came to the Naugatuck Railroad (the operating subsidiary of the museum) in September 1996 and operated the first train in excursion service. 529 is the only survivor of 62 New Haven Railroad RS-2 and RS-3 type locomotives.
The 529 is currently undergoing mechanical and cosmetic restoration for excursion passenger trains. It will carry its original 1950 delivery colors.
This locomotive is currently not viewable to the general public.
NH 529 Restoration Project
Work performed during the past 18 months includes replacement of deteriorated air brake piping, electrical system repairs and upgrades, replacement of piston rings, two cylinder heads and two cylinder liners (power assemblies) in the Model 244 diesel engine, and preparing two wheel assemblies for installation under the locomotive.
Additional work planned for the near future will be assembling one complete truck assembly (including two traction motors and wheel sets), replacement of two additional engine power assemblies, electrical control panel testing and repair, and cooling system testing and repair.
Some of the pictures show the two diesel engine control panels that have been professionally repaired and tested. They have just arrived back at the shop, and will be installed as the restoration work progresses.
For our Celebrate30 event in 2026 celebrating 30 years of operation we are seeking $25,000 to assist in restoration to service of our historic New Haven Railroad ALCO-GE RS-3 locomotive 529. Locomotive 529 came to the Railroad Museum of New England collection in 1985 upon purchase from Amtrak. It was repainted in its original livery in 1995 and ran on the inaugural passenger excursion run of the Naugatuck Railroad (our operating subsidiary) in 1996. 529 is the only survivor of 62 New Haven Railroad RS-2 and RS-3 type locomotives.
Your donation will help!