| the Superior Engines Division of the National Supply Company. Text from the circa-1947 brochure. |
 |
| Center Bay -- West Machine Shop |
| Superior Engines Represent Nearly 60 Years of Continuous Progress. Superior's fine performance records are built on a firm foundation of nearly 60 years of engine-building experience. During these many years intensive research has been continuously employed to improve the high efficiency and reliability of Superior engines. Today Superior's research laboratory is one of the finest in the country and second to none in making certain that nothing but materials of the highest quality are used. Skilled and experienced chemists and metallurgists, using the finest equipment and most modern methods, subject each lot of incoming raw material to exacting physical and chemical tests, and purchased parts from other manufacturers must conform to rigid specifications in every particular. New techniques and testing methods are constantly being devised to simulate actual field conditions so that the Superior owner may be assured of years of satisfactory dependable service. |
| Superior Locomotive Diesel Engines are of the four-cycle, cold-starting mechanical injection type, designed and built for continuous service, economical operation and dependable performance. Their design complies with, and in many cases exceeds, the high standards specified by all classifying and engineering societies. Because of its importance as a factor in securing maximum performance at minimum expense, Superior horsepower ratings are conservative. This eliminates the constant trouble, lost time and costly repairs which are sure to occur with an overrated engine. Both field and laboratory testing ensure that the generous factors of safety carefully engineered into the engine are actually there. |
 |
| Assembly and Test Floor -- Models 40 and 50 Engines |
| Superior Diesels are entirely enclosed with dust-protecting and oil-retaining covers. Yet they are so designed that these covers may be easily removed from the large frame openings in order to permit quick inspection or adjustment of parts. Controls, safety devices, and service accessibility are all worked out to meet the special requirements of Diesel locomotive service. THE FACTORY -- Incorporated in every Superior Diesel is the accumulated experience of nearly 60 years of building internal combustion engines. In the Springfield factory modern equipment and up to date facilities are manned by skilled craftsmen, many of whom have spent all their working years with Superior. Superior Diesel material and workmanship are of the highest quality. Every part and every assembly of parts are carefully inspected after each operation and must conform to rigid specifications before being accepted for use. The completed engine is carefully brake tested for power and the engine is released for shipment only after the inspectors are satisfied with its performance over a complete range of loads. |
 |
| Superior Engine Company -- Plant and General Offices -- Springfield, Ohio |
| During World War II, the entire facilities of this plant were engaged in the manufacture of Superior Diesels for the Armed Forces. They provided the same faithful and efficient service that created their fine reputation. Commerce and industry are now seeking more Superior Diesel Engines to assure themselves an economical and uninterrupted source of power. To fulfill this demand and to provide for future plant growth and modernization, a long-range program has been approved. As this bulletin is being printed, current plans call for an expenditure of more than a million and a half dollars. These improved facilities will make it possible to produce a greater number of Superior Diesel Engines than ever before . . . it means that more and more people will be able to get Superior dependability and economy. |
 |
| The above pictures and text from Superior Bulletin No. 4707 conclude our look at Superior's efforts in the locomotive field. We hope that you have enjoyed this look into a little-researched and little-documented company that only entered the locomotive market in a fleeting way. Our thanks to J. Parker Lamb for his generosity through the use of his pictures here. Links will be placed below to other places on the internet wherein pictures or data can be found which concern diesel locomotives which employed Superior engines. |
 |