This is a collection of New York Central diesel locomotive images I took in the 1950s, along with several taken by my brother, the late David V. Leonard, and my father, Dr. R. D. Leonard. (A few images from other sources are also included.) My views were captured during the "lightning-stripe" era of NYC livery. I took no NYC photos showing the paint scheme (sometimes called the "cigar band" style) that replaced this classic motif, although my brother and my father captured a few views.

This collection is of modest size, but it covers the major classes of New York Central diesel power — from EMD yard switchers to E-8 passenger units, plus ALCo road switchers; of course, the ubiquitous EMD GP-7 is well represented. A few rarities also appear: the Baldwin "baby face" freight units, the Fairbanks-Morse C-Liner, and even the short-lived Xplorer. Finally, I threw in some Detroit River Tunnel electrics for good measure.

Click on the selections below to bring up the full size image, with commentary. You can also page through the collection. Since I have never been a diesel fan my notes are not extensive. However, I hope this collection will interest New York Central devotees.