lvrr325 wrote:Boy LA&L has a lousy track record for scrapping stuff that should have been preserved, is the ex-Despatch Shops unit going to be destroyed too?
Lousy track record? The LA&L basically gave RS1 #20 the RGVRRM on a long-term loan, while the WNYP is currently using fromer TIOC/D&H RS3u #406.
Yes, the LA&L scrapped the 3 RS1 they got from TIOC... but none of them were in running condition. In fact, 2 of them
had been stripped of parts to keep TIOC RS1 #62 and S2 #14 running. The LA&L couldn't save #62 because an inept engineer had failed to open the radiator shutters on a hot day in 2011, so the prime mover overheated and seized.
It's also true the B&H scrapped the Alco C636s demonstrators, but their [prime movers had been ruined by freeze damage before arriving on the property.
I'm sad to see #4 go but let's be honest, does the B&H really need a 660 HP switcher at this point? Probably not, since they were able to run RS18u #416 on the rehabbed segment of the original B&H mainline when they reopened it a few years ago. I've seen #416 and the C424ms switching on the B&H and they seemed to handle it just fine. Parts 539 powered Alco units are also alot harder to get than the parts for Aclo 251 prime movers. IMO, I can see the day coming when Alco switchers are relegated to museums and excursions.
And for those of you who are complaining about the loss of the Alcos, where were you when the B&H waterfront yard was on the chopping block? I was one of the few railfans who actively tried to save it, so please spare me the tears when you weren't there to advocate for an excursion operation that could have given #4 a reason to exist.