The KNR 90 Rebuild Project is more than just a restoration—it’s about reviving a classic switcher, the EMD SW900, and transforming it into a working piece of model railroading history. Follow along as I strip, rebuild, repaint, and upgrade a Proto 2000 SW900 into Kinston Railroad KNR 90, bringing new life to a locomotive with a story worth telling.

Restoring & Upgrading a Proto 2000 SW900 – The KNR 90 Rebuild : History

Model railroading is more than just assembling trains and layouts—it’s about capturing history, preserving the legacy of railroads, and breathing new life into locomotives that have long since faded from the mainline. The KNR 90 Rebuild Project is an opportunity to take a classic switcher locomotive, the EMD SW900, and transform it into a customized representation of a locomotive that serves the Kinston Railroad.

In this post, I’ll cover the history of the EMD SW900, the story of KNR 90, and the background of the Kinston Railroad.

The EMD SW900: A Workhorse of Industry and Short Lines

The EMD SW900 was a first-generation diesel-electric switcher designed by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors. Built between 1953 and 1969, {Built between January 1954 and October 1965 in the United States, with Canadian production extending from December 1953 to March 1969.} it was introduced as a direct successor to the SW9, featuring a refined design, upgraded electrical components, and an improved 8-cylinder EMD 567C prime mover capable of generating 900 horsepower.

Key Specifications of the EMD SW900:

Power Output: 900 hp
Prime Mover: EMD 8-567C, a reliable and efficient two-stroke diesel engine
Wheel Arrangement: B-B (four axles, two per truck)
Transmission: Diesel-electric with DC traction motors
Production Total: 274 units by EMD (U.S.), 97 units by GMD (Canada)
Main Use: Yard switching, light freight, and industrial service

Unlike road locomotives designed for high-speed mainline service, the SW900 was primarily built for switching duties in rail yards, industrial settings, and branch lines. This made it popular with short-line railroads, regional carriers, and private industries, which needed reliable, low-maintenance locomotives to handle switching and transfer operations.

Evolution and Legacy

Over the years, many SW900s were rebuilt and upgraded to extend their service lives. Some were repowered with newer engines, or upgraded with modern electronics and control systems. Despite being a mid-20th-century locomotive, several SW900s remain in service today with short lines and industrial operators, proving their enduring reliability.

The SW900’s simple yet rugged design makes it an excellent candidate for custom rebuilds, like the one I’m undertaking with KNR 90.

KNR 90: A Locomotive with a Story

Locomotive KNR 90 started its life as an EMD SW900, originally built for the Lancaster and Chester Railway. The Lancaster and Chester Railway (L&C), a short-line railroad in South Carolina, was known for its fleet of switchers that served various industries.

The Journey of KNR 90:

Built for Lancaster & Chester Railway – Numbered 90, it was one of two SW900s purchased by the railroad.
Operational Years on L&C – The unit saw decades of service in yard switching and light freight duties.
Transition to the Kinston & Snow Hill Railroad (KSH) – As older locomotives were retired or sold, SW900 #90 was transferred to the KSH, where it was renumbered as KSH 90.
Acquired by Jaguar Transport Holdings – In August 2022, when Jaguar Transport Holdings took over the Kinston Railroad, KNR 90 became part of their operations.

The Kinston Railroad’s KNR 90 continues to operate today, switching freight for industries in eastern North Carolina, particularly those located in the North Carolina Global TransPark.

The Kinston Railroad: A Modern Short Line with Historic Roots

The Kinston Railroad (KNR) is a short-line railroad operating approximately 5.7 miles of track in Kinston, North Carolina. While it is a relatively new operation, its history ties into previous railroad operations in the region.

Key Facts About the Kinston Railroad:

Established: August 1, 2022
Owned By: Jaguar Transport Holdings
Track Length: 5.7 miles
Storage Space: 50 cars
Interchange Partner: Norfolk Southern
Primary Customers: Businesses and industries at the North Carolina Global TransPark

Rail Operations & Purpose

KNR operates on track leased from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and connects with Norfolk Southern, allowing local industries to access national and regional rail networks. The North Carolina Global TransPark (NCGTP) is a 2,500-acre industrial and logistics hub, focusing on:

Aviation and aerospace manufacturing
Defense and military-related logistics
Advanced materials and distribution

This strategic location allows the Kinston Railroad to serve businesses requiring freight rail service while contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Acquiring the Proto 2000 SW900: A Secondhand Find on eBay

For this project, I started by tracking down a Proto 2000 SW900 model—a solid choice due to its detailed body, reliable drivetrain, and realistic proportions. After some searching, I found a used Proto 2000 SW900 on eBay that fit the bill.

Why Choose a Used Model?

✔ Cost-Effective – Buying used meant getting a high-quality model for less than the cost of a brand-new locomotive.

✔ Perfect for Customization – Since I planned to strip the paint, modify details, and add DCC, getting a used model made sense.

✔ A Good Foundation – Proto 2000 models have a strong chassis, excellent detailing, and smooth-running mechanisms, making them ideal for upgrades.

The model arrived in decent condition, with some wear and minor scuffs—perfect for a rebuild project. Since it was already used, I didn’t have to worry about ruining a mint-condition model while removing paint or modifying details.

This is one of the best parts of model railroading—taking a locomotive with history, even in miniature form, and making it your own.

Why KNR 90 is the Perfect Restoration Subject

For this rebuild project, KNR 90 is an ideal prototype for a custom model. Here’s why:

✔️ Real-World Relevance – It represents a locomotive still in operation today, keeping history alive.

✔️ Compact, Classic Switcher Design – The SW900’s distinctive switcher profile makes it a great addition to a layout.

✔️ Customization Potential – The KNR 90 rebuild allows for paint stripping, detailing, DCC installation, and weathering.

✔️ Short Line Charm – Modeling short-line railroads like KNR adds uniqueness and realism to a layout, setting it apart from mainstream Class I railroad themes.

Through this multi-part series, I’ll document the complete process—from stripping the factory paint to adding final details—giving this model a second life as KNR 90.

What’s Next?

In the next post, I’ll begin the tear-down process, stripping the Proto 2000 SW900 down to its core components in preparation for its transformation into KNR 90. This phase is crucial to ensure a clean rebuild, free of old paint, dust, and any mechanical issues that might affect performance.

I’ll cover:

✅ Disassembling the Model – Breaking down the locomotive carefully without damaging small parts.

✅ Removing the Shell & Separating Components – Identifying which parts to keep, modify, or replace.

✅ Inspecting the Mechanism – Checking the drivetrain, gears, and motor for wear or needed upgrades.

✅ Prepping for Paint Stripping – Organizing parts and setting up for the next step: removing the factory paint.

This step is where the real transformation begins—taking the model back to basics so it can be rebuilt as KNR 90. Stay tuned for the tear-down!