I see a steam engine behind the diesel. With a new roof going up overhead, this must be a preservation/museum effort? Boxcab E50
Jasona, welcome to Trainboard! I'm gonna make a guess and say that diesel is an SD18- the trucks look like they came off an Alco somewhere along the way, unless they're original equipment. Where was this shot at?
A little history on this loco. Back in the early 80s, at the time the old Erie line was being torn up through Indiana, a short line was formed. This short line ran from North Judson Indiana to Monterey Indiana, a total of 16 miles. Right around this time, the owner of the short line (which was 16 miles of the old Erie line) purchased 2 SD18s from the Chessie System. One loco went to this short line, and the other to a different one 20 miles away. A few years later, the C&O main line was ripped up across Indiana, except for 33 miles, running from North Judson, to Malden, then up to Welsburro In, where it connected to CSX's B&O line. All was well till 6 years ago. The elevator that the short line serviced was sold to Cargill, who in turn asked Rail America to run the line. Fast forward 3 years, and Cargill closes the elevator and Rail America stops all movements on this line. Fast forward to October of last year. Rail America files to abandon the 16 mile short line. The above elevator is sold to private hands, who intern sells the above loco to a guy in Texas. The new owner wants the loco moved from it's location before it becomes land locked. At this time the local museum, who happens to be in North Judson, offers to go get the loco. They spend a month cutting back the brush on the 16 mile line and last Thanksgiving, they retrieve the loco from it's storage shed and bring it back to the museum with their Alco S2 switcher. The loco is now on museum property, but does not belong to them. The owner has given them permission to run the loco anytime they want and he will pay for all maintenance costs. Today was the first day the loco has run in at least 6 years. The other SD18 was also purchased, but I do not know where it is. I have more pictures that I will post later tonight.
That's quite a story! Sorry to see any trackage go away. But at least the engine was rescued. Boxcab E50
Orginally built as C&O 1811 Serial: 27609 Built early 1963 Order #7630 Nice to hear that she's running again! [ 01. August 2004, 11:59: Message edited by: dti407 ]
So my wild guess was correct- doesn't happen too often........ The paint job's a little worn, but otherwise not too bad. Glad to see this rare beast still running.
More pics. Here is a short video of the 7311 in action. http://bob.msiunix.com/movies/7-31-04%20movies/chessie7311.wmv
