Udate on Hill AFB, Utah, former home to US military rail repair and rebuild operations. All buildings demolished and track removed. Nothing left, folks. A Google flyover shows a big vacant lot where the shop/engine house used to be. Remaining tracks (Connection to UP) have also been lifted since the Google shot. All operations have been moved to Anniston, Alabama, home to heavy vehicle repair.
Update on GE 1953 80 tonners (completely remanufactured circa 1990). The two at Letterkenny in PA have finally been moved to their new owner, McHugh construction. Unknown if for further use, or scrap.
One of two (1644) at Shaw Air Force Base has been sold to South Carolina Railroad Museum. unknown current status on second unit there. Many of these 80 tonners have very few miles on the clock and are essentially new. Most have been sold off for further use, many to museums. It is extremely hard to gather info on military locomotive status, but I would guess that there are around 10 remaining in US Army service. I know of the one at Hawthorne, Nevada and one at Beale, AFB , CA. Anyone know of others? Above info from Loconotes.
Meanwhile, the 24 NRE Gensets seem to be doing the bulk of the work on many bases. There are still some GP-40s and many GP-9m, GP-10s remaining, but they are slowly being sold off as well.
As always, updates and additions/corrections welcome.
Bill Root
