Curious if anyone knows anything about the heritage of the two Alco switchers advertised in the last issue of Railway Age. One is listed as engine #821, S1, 1,000HP, 115 tons, circa 1943 (probably an S2 mislabeled) and the other is listed as engine #407, S1, 600HP, 100 tons, circa 1941. They appear to be in very good condition, indoor storage. Ad notes that bids are being accepted until October 31,2008. contact information is (646) 252-4530 email: Vivian.Ng@nyct.com

Is there a museum in the Northeast that is attempting to acquire them? They just look too nice to end up in the scrap pile...

David Farlow

Both locomotives were recently overhauled completely! They are in excellent shape. #407 is ex-LIRR 407. Getting them off Staten Island is the big piece of the puzzle. I know a number of people anxious to save the LIRR S1, and return it to Long Island for preservation. It isn't the purchase price of the locos, it's moving them that is a bugger.

I believe the other ALCO is ex-US Army, but I may be wrong.

I would encourage anyone who can pay for the movement to get busy and save these engines.

LIRR/SIRT S-1 407 is going to the CMRR, where it will retain its number.

It was loaded up Friday, April 30th:

http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=168032

It is now at the rigger's yard, and will be headed to Mt. Tremper, NY in the next week or so.

Ernie Hunt
CMRR

Anyone know what happened to the 821?

821 was purchased by same party as 407 as part of a package deal along with pallets of spare parts and 2 extra wheelsets. It is currently for sale/lease on Railswap. It will be trucked off Staten Island shortly after 407 is delivered to its new home.

Anybody know about this abandoned S1 near Newton MA?


http://www.hippogryph.com/green/tracksandtowers/

Scrapped in place about 2 years ago.

Not to nitpick, but the Newton MA engine was an S-4. Spotting features are the rigid bolster trucks and the larger turbo stack, offset to the fireman's side. Judging from the paint and the herald on the cab, it was a former Bay Colony unit.

SIRT S-2 821 is now loaded and ready to move:

http://images.nycsubway.org/i112000/img_112275.jpg

http://images.nycsubway.org/i112000/img_112276.jpg

I am glad both locos where saved, they were both in great shape! We tried to get the MTA to donate them to the Railroad Museum of Long Island probably about 4 years ago and they would not. The the Long Island Sunrise Trail Chapter tried to buy em and that did not work out. At Least they are a day's trip from home and saved.

Anthony

821 will be going to another upstate NY RR that operates ALCOs exclusively.

Reports on various forums say she is headed to the Upper Hudson River Railroad, North Creek, NY..

Scot

Its interesting that the third axle on the semi is retracted. I would have thought that with six axles on the rear there should at least be three axles down on the front.

In this photo, the front of the trailer was lowered and resting on the road. For the highway move, another three axles were added behind the tractor, giving it 6 forward and 6 behind. Total weight is approximately 76 tons.

Photo taken at Sloatsburg tandem trailer area on NYS Thruway Friday June 18. The locomotive arrived in North Creek today.