Ran across the story of how PSRM (Pacific SW Railway Museum) acquired its ex-Southern Pacific 70-tonner. It turns out, a single museum member dipped into his retirement savings and bought it for the museum after the museum had exhausted all its options. Most of us would never do that. There are some remarkable people out there in rail preservation.

Three-minute news feature about the person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDS9r3JWPSQ

Or you can read a brief summary on the PSRM website:
https://www.psrm.org/trains/diesel/sp-5119/

Yes, Larry Rose is pretty remarkable.

Because of its age, and not-too-common diesel engine (Cooper-Bessemer) we don't run it very often. Different experience running compared to the GP-9 or 80-tonner we usually run. Terrific view when running in reverse! And the #14 brake stand keeps you thinking because the other engines have #26 brakes.

Jim -

Thanks for the info on its operation. Mentioned in the museum info was a plan to repaint and re-letter the unit from its M&ET paint back to its original Southern Pacific identity as SP #5119. Wondered if that had ever been done?


Les

Les: It hasn't been repainted yet. The familiar old story about higher priority things needing to be done, and not enough people to do it all. Actually, the M&ET paint is in good shape, and the engine is kept inside, so the only reason to repaint is getting it back to its historical appearance. Not that that isn't important, but......

By the way, it will be in use this coming Saturday on a work train.