BL-2

ramoutandabout · July 15, 2006, 2:07pm

how much were they used and for what, rock island and mp any pics out there?

thanks

ray

ramoutandabout · July 15, 2006, 3:55pm

anyone?

locomutt · July 15, 2006, 4:24pm

You might try to find a copy of R.L.Hundman’s “Diesel Data Series”-
Book 3,it covers the BL-2s with all the info you’re asking about.
There are pictures of all the roads that had them,including R.I. & MP.

Anonymous · July 15, 2006, 5:29pm

I’m no expert but from what I understand, they weren’t very popular, i think there were only around 60 or so built. If I remember correctly they were supposed to be a cross between a GP and an F unit. And they were used for passenger and freight trains. Try this link for a little more help. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_BL2 Dave

tgindy · July 15, 2006, 9:18pm

Kalmbach’s “The Second Diesel Spotter’s Guide” (1978) says this about the 1500 hp BL-2:

[1] The BL-2 was a re-designed EMD F3 to make the diesel more attractive for suburban and local passenger trains because EMD was reluctant to add a road switcher in the late 1940s, and; the BL-2 beveled compartment design was to add better front to rear visability for the engineers…

[2] The freight BL-2s were purchased by C&EI, BAR, C&O, FEC, MON, MP, and WM.

[3] The passenger BL-02s were purchased by BM, C&O, and RI. The only difference between a freight and passenger unit was a very visible steam generator exhaust between the windshield’s center post.

[4] A total of 59 BL Units were manufactured => 1 BL-1 in 2/48, and; 58 BL-2s from 4/48 - 5/49. The lone BL-1 should have been designated a BL-2 by “an overeager model numberer.”

ramoutandabout · July 15, 2006, 11:19pm

thanks so much guyes ! it was the first ho engine my father gave me have always thought they were very different looking

thanks again ray

storknest · July 15, 2006, 11:23pm

As to who got them, here’s the list from Unofficial EMD site with road numbers. I think CI&L is Monon.

http://www.trainweb.org/emdloco/bl2.htm

Currently, I remember seeing some short line is operating WM 82 for passenger service. Can’t remember exactly where, somewhere in the Eastern shore states.

locomutt · July 16, 2006, 12:35am

Chicago,Indianapolis & Louisville; The MONON.
There is a BL-2 painted and lettered for the Monon at
the Ky Railway Museum in New Haven,Ky. It is used for
their excursions,along with an ex Santa Fe CF-7.
Along with it and the WM unit mentioned,I believe that
there is at least one more operable unit left around.
(not sure where)

CSSHEGEWISCH · July 17, 2006, 8:24am

There is also an ex-BAR BL2 lettered for Janesville & Southeastern. I believe that this is a leasing or terminal-type operation that is loosely affiliated with Wisconsin & Southern. It showed up at EMD’s 75th Anniversary.

storknest · July 25, 2006, 12:49am

According to this link, there’s 2 more for 5 preserved.

http://www.thedieselshop.us/PRSVDemdOthers.HTML[](http://www.thedieselshop.us/PRSVDemdOthers.HTML)

CAZEPHYR · July 25, 2006, 9:42am

The complete list for the orginal sales of the BL2 and dates is below. One BL1 was built, but it was a demo and was sold later to the C&EI as #1602. They were actually the fore runner to the Geep and the GP7 was the first real Geep. The BL2 was repackaged into the GP7 which was a great sales success.

	03.49 to 04.49	8161-8166	BL2	BAR	550-555	6	.	.
E1195	04.49	8616, 8617	BL2	BAR	556, 557	2	.	.
E889	07.48 to 09.48	5259-5262	BL2	B&M	1550-1553	4	.	.
E966	12.48	6012, 6013	BL2	CEI	1600, 1601	2	.	.
E975	04.48	4449-4452	BL2	CI&L	30-33	4 (6)	.	.
E975	04.48	5243, 5244	BL2	CI&L	34, 35	2 (6)	.	.
E1253	05.49	8420-8422	BL2	CI&L	36-38	3	.	.
E822	06.48 to 07.48	4724-4729	BL2	C&O	80-85	6	.	.	.