Work is progressing at the Delaware-Lackawanna shop. Old engine was removed last week. Quite a bit of body work done. All the pipng was shot and is being replaced along with new 26 brake system. Amazing to see in 2010!

Was there any particular problem with the old engine out of 1554? Will the removed 244 be used as a "core" for rebuild?

Interesting to see that 1554 is set up for short hood forward control; probably 95% of RS-3s are long hood forward.

Howard P.
Amplidyne, CT

Man, I just had some evil flashback to the old East Altoona scrap lines ca. 1978.....

Hey, does anyone wanna tell us more about that crane? Or has she been covered in the past?

A CP 200-tonner diesel-electric, if I remember. Has 3-axle trucks, looks to be 70s vintage, not an old thing from the 40s. They use it a lot for swapping big heavy Alco parts around. Nice thing to have. And it looks like they haven't punched any holes in the building from using the crane. I bet it could pick up a wheel lathe... :-))

Howard P.
4-Part Line, CT

For some reason, methinks the unit had dual control stands... Not sure if the 244 block is a good core, but I think they are using another 244 engine for this project...

Mike
Eddy-current, TN

is this unit now owned by DL, or is it still in urhs ownership, seems to be a overdone restoration "if there is such a thing in preservation", my point simply being I'm seeing $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ spent, and if this is a urhs restoration/rebuild, can i be nosey and ask how funding was obtained and what is the projected costs "i'm sure there are a lot of people on the RYPN would be interested in the answer

The unit was owned by the ARHS, not URHS. The DL now owns the unit - not sure what arrangement between them and the ARHS was made. All of the money being spent on this unit is being done by DL/GVT. I assume they want it to be in the same condition as their other 3 RS3's which are used in regular service and are NOT display pieces or gentle use. Still sounds weird to say that!

I know there was talk about having 1554 ready for the NRHS Convention - don't know if that is still the plan.

ahh------- then it does start to make sence, thanks for corrections, hard to keep track of the many groups in the northeast

Ah yes... This is definitely one of the biggest projects the DL has undertaken. The unit does look farther along then the last time I visited the shop. I have to get down there more often. I know the thought was to have it ready for the convention, but we haven't promoted that aspect, just in case. Conventioneers might have to settle for just three 244's working upgrade this June....

As for the crane. It's quite handy for prime mover and generator change outs. It was built, if I recall correctly, in 1969 by American.

Dave Crosby
Center of the Universe,
Pennsylvania

You know, a demonstration of that crane--minus an actual derailment, of course--would be an ideal photo op/demonstration at the NRHS Convention......... I mean, that Ed K photo actually LOOKS like a staged event, what with the authentic and slightly "vintage" pick-up!

Hmmmm....Or maybe a demo of it removing the boiler from DL&W 565? I think I may need to may some calls.

When I saw the 1554 it seemed like they were removing parts from the block, but was impressive to see none the less. So hopefully there were some reusable parts on the block if they are indeed changing it out completely. If I recall didnt the DL get two 244's out of some MRS-1's? Hagerstown perhaps???

Is that a fact? I always assumed (for the most part) that in exchange for fixing a unit, or painting it, (or of course, cash), most historical chapters would allow a host operator to use the equipment for a predetermined amount of time.

If the DL owns it(?), what did the ARHS get in exchange? Anyone know the details?

And, while we're on the subject - what's the "deal" with the F3's? Loaned, leased or sold?

/Mitch