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Rock Island E units move for evaluation
What kind on engine? A 567 or 645?
Gary, these units would have had twin 12 cylinder 567’s as built. IIRC, L&N 770 was preserved minus both engines, but was cosmetically restored to her original paint some years back.
Good news, but I would LOVE to see the 630 operate again with the 1972 red and gold-nose paint scheme it wore for the “Golden Rocket” excursions and for the rest of its commuter train career in the 70’s. For me, THAT is the most beautiful diesel paint scheme EVER!
Midland? I believe you mean Baldwin City, Kansas. If I remember correctly at least one of the diesel engines is beyond repair.
Something not mentioned is that the 630 was restored by the Smoky Hill RRHS back in the late 80’s and early into 1990. It operated out of Grandview, Mo. for a couple of years, but deteriorated to the point it was no longer able to pass inspection (there were no facilities for indoor storage, it spent the entire time outside). It never did belong to the group, but was privately owned.
I have made several trips to Ottowa Junction, Ks. (where the units were being stored) and have an extensive file of hi res photos if anyone is interested.
I don’t know how “viewable” they are at Mid America, the shop isn’t very photo friendly in general layout (plus they may have them inside the building) and they adamantly do not allow visitors, I’ve tried many times.
It would be nice to see them restored and upgraded. The E8 should be upgraded similar to BN’s E9Au program. The E6 could also use a similar upgrade even though it has a different mechanical layout. E3’s, E4’s, E5’s E6’s and E7’s had one layout and the E8’s and E9’s a totally different layout. I bet they both still have 567b or 567bc engines which are hard to find parts for. Should be upgraded to at least 567c engines. Probably should donate or sell some of the parts from the E6 to Museam in Union, IL for there CB&Q E5 if they do upgrade or just cosmeticly restore it.
I hope these units are brought back to life, in their current RI paint schemes
I hope these units are brought back to life, in their current RI paint schemes
These units need to be restored to operational condition. Not sure what Iowa Northern will do with them, but it would be sweet to see them pulling the Hawkeye Express some year, or perhaps some other excursion service.
I’m pretty sure they both have their original twin 567s. It doesn’t seem likely Rock Island would have upgraded them.
All the later E units had two 567’s
I used to service these when I was a machinist at Armordale KS
in the mid 60’s. As I recall these were dry sump motors.
I wonder if the can be seen outside Mid America Car – it might be worth a trip down there too see this weekend.