DL shop

Hey Don,

Do You Practice The Art of "Stetsorization" at all??

Nobody ask, its an inside joke.

Regards,
Jimmy

Re: question about the RSC-2 in Utica, believe NYS&W parted it out before donating it so probably not much useful stuff left on that unit.

Now, my question for the Alcodoc, what is the block that was sitting on the TTX flat the last time I was up there, a few weeks ago? Is it intended for a specific purpose or just as a spare? Couldn't see it well enough to tell if it was 244 or 251.

Are you sure we can't persuade you to do a L&HR green and gold RS-3 (204)? How about 310 in D&H blue w/yellow stripes then (love how much D&H and LV "history" shows through the IHRC paint on that one!)? Just a few ideas, I assume 310 will get GVT corporate colors but 'd have no complaints about that either!

Anybody else notice there appears to be a patch of PC black showing through on 3642 lately? Don't think it was visible previously.

The engine on the flat car was a rebuilt 251C. That was the last Alco engine rebuilt by BC rail. It is now a parts donor. Many of the part were installed on DL 325's prime mover.

MHWA 804 has had one truck rebuilt and other upgrades performed. She will be placed in service during the next week. That will free up the 334 for her Falls Road assignment.



Alcodoc

Don,
The 251C was rebuilt. Was this block useable as is or was it damaged?

Any reason why 334 is coming here to WNY? Is one of the RS-11's coming back to Scranton or being reassigned somewhere else? I'm sure the crews will appreciate a low-nose for a change. I'll have my wife be on the lookout for it (her office faces the Falls Road line).

John: The 12-251C was not damaged at all. The engine had been sitting around the shop for quite some time. We needed some parts for a number of projects and that block became an organ donor. Most of the cylinder head were used on the 325.


Les: Yes, the boys on the Falls Road will enjoy a low nose unit. The 1804 will need some wheel work in the near future, but the main reason for the switch is the 1804 is equiped with dynamic braking as the 334 is not. DL crews will certainly test them on the Pocono grades!


Alcodoc

DL 3642 is back inservice. Went east on PT 98.

RS32 211 is should be placed in service the first week in January.

Excellent news. Thanks for the update.

You're welcome, Nick. 2005 should be pretty exciting. A few units that have been out of service for a few years are to be returned to service. Some engines should receive paint too.


Alcodoc

Any progress on the 4118? BTW, did the 467 ever go into service?

ATK, A replacement 244D engine has arrived. The engine will have to be cleaned, checked and upgraded. The 467 is still on the front burner....but muched needed wheel work and traction generator change outs on the running fleet have postponed progress. We want to have the entire 425 fleet back in service this year, for example. The Scranton shop is currently operating at maximum capacity. After the 211 is placed in service we plan to return to the C425s. Any extra time will be spend on cab upgrades and exterior paint. Stay tuned...things change and suprises can happen!


Alcodoc

Just curious, what's the difference between a 244D and a 244H? What upgrades and/or modifications are you planning on doing before putting the engine in the locomotive? Also, a while back you mentioned that an electrical problem sent the engine into overspeed. Did you guys ever find out the root cause of the electrical problem? (Good info to know for those of us who also maintain RS-3's)

Regards,
- ATK

Thanks very much Don for the updates- we know this is something you certainly don't have to do. If possible and when you get the time- would you be able to give us an update on the roster and the status? Also, any chance of some type of railfan weekend this year? Finally-could you provide the current schedule of the Portland turns? Thanks again to you and MT for keeping us updated and best of luck for the new year.

The 244D was the first upgrade with serrated main bearings. The engine in the 4118 failed as a result of an overspeed. A partial failure in the engine control panel caused the pilot valve to allow high, but not runaway engine speed without complete loss of the signal. The "SAR" relay (safety control) did not see enough current loss to drop out the governor clutch........The final protective device, the overspeed trip, sadly did not operate.



Alcodoc