Anyone have info on these beasts? :
Looks like a GP-7 with a RS cab and nose.
Thanks
Travy,
That’s exactly what they were! In 1957 and 1958 Rock Island sent five RS2s (450-454)and one RS3 (456) to EMD where they were fitted with the 16-567C engine, generator hood and radiators of a GP9. They kept the frame, cab, short hood and trucks of the Alco roadswitcher. Most of these lasted until the end of the Rock Island. I saw one at Blue Island in 1977.
Peter
RI’s re-powered RS2’s and RS3 were in Chicago terminal service throughout the 1970’s and lasted on the roster to the bitter end.
SLSF had RS2’s and MKT had RS3’s that were also re-powered with EMD engines and had a similar appearance. MKT’s repowered RS3’s lasted until the merger with UP.
MKT was probably the champion of repowering. Various Alcos and Baldwins of a variety of models were all re-powered with EMD engines. It simplified the parts situation for prime movers but I’m not sure if reliability and availability was greatly improved.
Wi***hat was me @ Blue Island!
You guys answered both questions(Frame and Service area) great info!
Thanks alot
Now you have the wheels in my head turning! Did any of these (any company) have second lives as industrial and shortline haulers or did they all get scrapped. Likewise is there any preserved today?
For others wonder what I’m talking about:
RI version-http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ri/ri454abh.jpg
MKT version- http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/mkt/mkt152bbp.jpg
MKT sold a bunch of re-engined Baldwins to Chicago & North Western. They even ran 'em in red for a while… C&NW was the home to quite a bit of “junk” in its day.