The EMD AEM-7 was a high-speed electric locomotive built for passenger service in the Northeast. Crews gave it this nickname because of its boxy, metallic, utilitarian shape and the massive amount of heat generated by its roof-mounted dynamic brake resistors.
Heard on the job
I caught a cab ride in a toaster out of Washington and the ride was rougher than a freight motor.
Insider tip
The AEM-7 was a staple of Amtrak service for decades, known for rapid acceleration and a very bumpy ride at high speeds.
Also heard as
- meatball