USAF 2021 - SW8
Originally built for the US Army in 1951 for service in the Korean War, this SW8 was eventually given to the Air Force for service in the Titan IV program. Using a set of parallel tracks, a pair of SW8's would pull Titan rockets from their assembly building to the launch pad (performing the same function that the Space Shuttle's crawler later performed). In order to operate in tandem, these Air Force locomotives were equipped with MU cables that were connected via swing arms. This allowed the locomotives to synchronize while operating side-by-side.
After the last Titan IV launch in 2005, USAF 2021 was cosmetically restored by NASA Railroad employees and then moved in 2006 to where it is currently displayed at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum.
USAF SW8 #2021
Cape Canaveral, FL
April 26th, 2024
USAF 2021 - SW8
Originally built for the US Army in 1951 for service in the Korean War, this SW8 was eventually given to the Air Force for service in the Titan IV program. Using a set of parallel tracks, a pair of SW8's would pull Titan rockets from their assembly building to the launch pad (performing the same function that the Space Shuttle's crawler later performed). In order to operate in tandem, these Air Force locomotives were equipped with MU cables that were connected via swing arms. This allowed the locomotives to synchronize while operating side-by-side.
After the last Titan IV launch in 2005, USAF 2021 was cosmetically restored by NASA Railroad employees and then moved in 2006 to where it is currently displayed at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum.
USAF SW8 #2021
Cape Canaveral, FL
April 26th, 2024