Join the discussion on the following article:
Erie Mining F units begin move to Illinois short line
Love to see old F units still being used. They are my favorite diesels next to the old geeps. Went to sleep every night when I was young listening to the F’s tugging long strings of coal cars up grave-yard hill in the little town of Crofton Ky. The windows would rattle even though we lived almost a third of a mile from the track. Ahh memories !
The F Units especially the F7 are my favorites. So sad to hear A and/or B units are being scrapped. Though it’s good to hear there are a few still going strong and others being preserved at various museums. The Oregon Scenic Railroad (Port of Tillamook Bay) have a FT unit that’s still being used for seasonal operations. It’s 1 of only 7 F Units that was not inherited by Burlington Northern when they took over GN, SP&S, NP, and CB&Q.
Why were the B units scrapped? I’m sure there are a few lines that would like the extra power.
In addition to the movements mentioned, there were two days of passenger extra specials over the line from the plant at Hoyt Lakes to Taconite Harbor probably in 2004 or so sponsored by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Real thrill to be on this train as it moved out over the ore dock at Taconite Harbor.
Where abouts in Western Indiana?Terre Haute perhaps!How often will these run?