Anybody here know the heritage of Southwestern Railroad #'s 2601-2602?
Jim --------got a link to a picture(s) for these motors?
Eric-
This website says they are the only two examples of GP26’s.
http://www.shortlinesusa.com/southwest.htm
They were formerly IC 2601 and 2602, and were originally GM&O 502 and 514. They were to be the initial rebuilds of a program with GP30’s similar to the prior Paducah rebuilds of other models. The program was discontinued for a variety of reasons after only two rebuilds were completed.
Thanks Paul.
I don’t even remember posting this on my GP30 thread-
[D)]
The 2601 and the 2602 are currently on the Cimarron Valley Railraod based out of Satanta KS. They look like GP35’s without dynamic braking. They retained there 567 power plants, they have GE 752A traction motors and those rough riding ALCO trucks. They are tremendous pullers, and they are nicknamed the Clydesdales. These were actually demonstrators that Paducah produced to show the Southern Railway, who they were actually built for, was to go up against the EMD GP49 I believe. But the Southern decided to go with the EMD’s and the 26’s never made it to them. The units then went to NREX for leasing and then the Southwestern came in and bought them. We got them back, since they have been there once before, back in October of 07, not one of them has broke down, except for a flat spot on the 02, and all of our other units has been in the shop at least twice for some type of mechanical problem. Basically they need there 92 day inspection, and they are on there way. So thats about all I can tell you for right now, if there is any questions, hit me up.
Later, Dru Engineer Cimarron Valley Railroad