by conrail_engineer
I've wondered about it for a long time...I'll put it out to you guys, there are a lot of railroad trivia buffs out there.
There is an old Alco road unit on the new-unit storage tracks behind the Erie erection plant...it's one of two that have been there for at least six years. This one's done up in the GE corporate silver-and-red scheme, with either an LMS or GECX lettering on the side (both those leasing numberings used the same paint scheme, back when there were a lot of them running around). The unit number is, I believe, 5000.
Why is it there? It's not visibly stored or being cannibalized. Stacks are uncovered and it is moved from time to time, either towed or under its own power. Cosmetically it's in excellent shape.
I know of course of the historical tie between GE and Alco. But I'm guessing that by the time that unit was built the two had severed their partnership and were competitors.
Is it a trophy? GE besting Alco? Or was there some deep-down tie even as GE entered the road locomotive market, that this unit is some sort of Missing Link on the evolution of the GE line?
I'd love to hear the story.
There is an old Alco road unit on the new-unit storage tracks behind the Erie erection plant...it's one of two that have been there for at least six years. This one's done up in the GE corporate silver-and-red scheme, with either an LMS or GECX lettering on the side (both those leasing numberings used the same paint scheme, back when there were a lot of them running around). The unit number is, I believe, 5000.
Why is it there? It's not visibly stored or being cannibalized. Stacks are uncovered and it is moved from time to time, either towed or under its own power. Cosmetically it's in excellent shape.
I know of course of the historical tie between GE and Alco. But I'm guessing that by the time that unit was built the two had severed their partnership and were competitors.
Is it a trophy? GE besting Alco? Or was there some deep-down tie even as GE entered the road locomotive market, that this unit is some sort of Missing Link on the evolution of the GE line?
I'd love to hear the story.