On the way into Philadelphia today while we were riding the R3 Media -Elwyn train between 30th Street and Suburban Station we saw a SEPTA locomtive with the unit designation of BL-15. Is it another version of a MP-15? It looked somewhat like an MP-15.
Hi Tom .. I am really dumb when it comes to modern locomotives. I don't know much, if anything about them .. but I would like to welcome you to Trainboard. We are pleased that you decided to join our growing family. Hang in there .. I'm sure that someone will have an answer for you.
Hi Tom, welcome aboard In the past BL has meant Branch Line (light weight) so maybe this is a locomotive for lightly laid lines? Just guessing!
I did a quick search and came up with This Picture on Webshots. Was it one like this? Looks like a rebuilt EMD switcher. Anyone know any more? Looks cool with ditchlights
That pic is definately an SW derivative, probably 1500. When manufacturers rebuild stuff sometimes they rename. For instance this could be an SW1500 rebuilt for lite duty (usually given the Branch Line designation mentioned above) hence renamed BL1500 or BL15 for short. Russ
Martyn The picture you posted is the one although I am not 100% sure of the road number. I don't know if SEPTA has more than one. It looks alot like an MP-15 and that is why I asked. I am currently trying to get a picture of a newly painted NS MP15DC that has been at Abrams Yard in King of Prussia, PA the last few weeks. It seems like I only see these thing when I don't have the camera.
Tom, First off, I wanted to welcome you... nice to see some Chessie flavor may be heading our way You sure entered with a good topic! Looking at the photo, I agree that it is an SW variant. According to one book I looked at, it is an SW1200, formerly belonging to the Milwaukee Road. I cannot see the stack configuration or fron grill to verify. As someone pointed out, it could be a rebuilder's designation (BL-15). It could have been rebuilt to 1500 h.p. It may be a "class" designation by the railroad, "B" for the 2 axle trucks, "L" for builder, type, etc. All in all, an interesting find and excellent question! Harold
I like my Chessie flavor. Just finished up the first chessie SWMT I had planed.....Hopefully be able to post some pictures of my work! But as Harold "Chessie" said its good to see more with the same tastes of railroads around! As I myself is a B&O fanatic to the very end. even if its Chessie with "B&O" lettering
Thanks everyone for the answers so far. Is a MP15DC rebuilt from a SW type locomotive or were factory produced? Chessie and 7600EM_1, I grew up and lived the first 25 years of my life 500 feet from the B&O Philadelphia Subdivision. I used to watch the trains from a special chair at my kitchen window. I remember seeing B&O, C&O, Reading, and occasionally CNJ , and WM units rolling by. Later that changed into Chessie and then eventually CSX. The best looking units I saw were the RF&P units on the Orange Blossom Special. Once I have the time I will have to start post photos I took along the line. [ 27. February 2003, 14:44: Message edited by: Tompm ]
Thanks Russ I am still trying to get a picture of that MP15DC in NS colors at Abrams Yard. Almost had it yesterday. It was lashed up with a high hood GP38AC, but it would not come out in the open where I could get a shot of it.
You are welcome Tom and your perseverance will pay off eventually. Meanwhile, I know that you have other cool shots that you can feel free to share with the Trainboarders here. Click on that orange railimages button on top and get your free picture album. Russ
Russ Yesterday a few yellow diesels showed up at Abrams Yard. I have not been able to get a good look at them. They were still there this morning so I am going to try to see if I can get lucky at lunchtime. Someone told me they might be several ALCO’s bound for the Morristown & Erie. BTW I have already started posting photos. [ 28. February 2003, 15:47: Message edited by: Tompm ]
Ton I lived all my life next to the B&O mainline through Meyersdale PA on the Sand Patch grade, I'm not all that old but I can remember seeing B&O/C&O units go rolling by then latter into Chessie an now CSX! I live within walkin distance of the B&O's famous "Sand Patch Tunnel" So the traffic here has its slow days an then other days its one after another....But I haven't been able to do much railfanning lately... to much snow!
