Max Ephraim, Jr. (1918-2001) was an American railroad mechanical engineer who played a significant role in the transition from steam-powered to diesel-electric locomotives during the 1950s.
Ephraim attended “Illinois Institute of Technology” and graduated first in his mechanical engineering class and second in the entire Class of 1939 —all while editing the school newspaper, playing intramural sports, participating in the Rho Delta Rho fraternity, working two jobs to pay his way through school, and within 3 ½ years.
His initial assignment was at the Navy installation in Mechanicsburg PA. For sea duty, he was assigned to the Pacific Theater as an engineering officer aboard the USS PCE-843, a 185-foot Patrol Craft Escort of the corvette type that was laid down on 25 June 1943 and delivered to the US Navy on Jan 30, 1944 by Pullman-Standard.
They provided superior visibility to their car body styled counterparts, while also eliminating the requirement to be turned around for a return trip on the same rail.
After his retirement from EMD, Ephraim became chairman of the board of Modern Process Equipment, Inc. (MPE) of Chicago, Illinois, a family owned firm managed by his sons.
Ephraim was elected a fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from the Illinois Institute of Technology.