The two RS2's that were scrapped within the last few years (#468 and #4610) had long been deadlined and cannabilized for parts, so that came as no surprise. The RS-2 #469 (original engine) had suffered internal engine seal damage as a result of overheating, but has recently been put back into service and it is expected to return to it's post in Alpena as the local yard switcher.
The Alco S-1 #646 was recently sold and I believe it is still on LSRC property. I had heard that it was going to be trucked out, as it still has friction bearing trucks.
C420 #976 burned up a few years ago as a result of a burst fuel line and was scrapped along with the #468 and #4610.
The #698, the lone HR-412 on the LSRC is reported to have been placed out of service and is expected to be cannabalized for parts.
The #1195, a chop-nosed RS-11 suffered an electrical fire several years ago and was awaiting repair, though recent word has it that they have given up on the unit and expect to dispose of it.
A handful of MLW420's including #798 #3563, and #3515 #3504 and #3571 remain, staying mostly on the lighter rails of the northern routes. The EMD's and C425's seem to be populating the new Saginaw Bay Southern division of the LSRC. The MLW420 #3575 had been designated a parts souce when it arrived on LSRC property.
The four C425's were healthy last I knew, at least one of which has been converted to AC traction. These are the #181, #281, #381 and #1280.
The RS3M's (Morrison Knudsen 251 rebuilds) #974 and #975 have been active, though the #975 recently developed a bad crank. Rumor has it that it will receive the #698's crank. Last time I was in Michigan, (May 07) I caught the #974 with a work train at Omer.
The LSRC / SBS has purchased three GP38's (at least one of which is/has been converted from GP35), an SD-45, and most recently four GP40's.
I had talked to Mike Wood when LSRC began receiving it's first EMD's (GP38's) and he indicated that the market for used Alcos was becoming too thin, and that Alcos and Alco parts in good condition are becoming too expensive.
Mike's relocation to Marquette Rail is news to me. With him gone from the LSRC, I could certainly see the Also population getting thinned out. I expect more units to be retired as more major failures occur.
Last edited by MarkVZ on Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
