Just curious, Trains newswire April 13 reports the above. Why were they cut up? For the matter, why were they purchased? One would have to presume they were old & tired when Erie Mining gave them up. Did M&E buy hoping they could get some useful service only to find out rehabbing the old Alcos was infeasible?

Just curious.

Logic would dictate that since the M&E has a large stable of Alco power they were bought for parts. Salvage what you can from them that is usable. Whatever is left or you can't use sell it off. I believe the prime movers were sold off to a company that was rebuilding them for marine use in tugs and ships.

They were probably worth more as scrap than as a intact unit.

GVT is doing something similiar on the D-L in South Scranton.

Joshua

I've had recent confirmed feedback that offshore oil drilling companies are paying premiums for old Alcos - just for the prime movers - leaving the rest of the unit for scrap.

That's a good news/bad news thing, depending on where you're at. From a museum perspective, you might get a great deal on the sheet metal and frame for a display unit if you are looking for one; but if you're following the ranks of operating Alcos as locomotives, it's a shock.

With scrap metal prices going at close to $200 per ton after salvaging all the usable parts now seems the time to scrap the remaining hulks. Also not only is the oil industry interested in prime movers but they are also snapping up all the GE 752 traction motors they can find for drilling rig operations. Consquently the price for a RTO motor these days is up to around $12,000 now as opposed to about $3000 just a couple of years ago.

Which would send another message. Anyone looking to restore a classic ALCO unit, such as one of the old LIRR FA's would be advised to hustle and pick up a less "valuable" unit for a parts source, a.s.a.p.

Darn. And I think one of those units was a an ex-Northern Pacific veteran too, complete with its steam-style bell that NP put on thier diesels.

Erie (LTV Steel) gave them up because they went out of business.

Tom C.

What is happening with ALCO parts and salvaged engines is very similar to what has already happened with Fairbanks Morse parts. When you get down to the point where the majority of the surviving engines are in very critical applications (military, power generating, oil drilling, etc.) the price of spare engines and parts goes right through the roof.

MX (Obviously Not My Real Name)

To reply to Richard's suggestion, Erie Mining 7201 and 7202 were in fact purchased to provide major parts for the LIRR FAs under restoration in NJ. At this point, all of the major components are on hand for all four units; it's just a matter of time-

I too am surprised that M&E parted out all but 7215, but with the demand for 251 engines and 752 motors, I suspect that a business decision was made; the units were worth more as parts than as locomotives.

I was recently told that GE 564 and 581 generators are also in demand for use on drilling rigs. With the addition of a second bearing, they can be used as a large motor. This is something else that will drive used Alco and GE prices up, I'm sure.

To address Superheater's comment about old and tired, 7201 and 7202 were fired up here in NJ, before parts started to come off. Once the batteries got a good charge, they started up and ran fairly well, taking into consideration the fact that they had not been operated for several years.

The units seemed to be well maintained, although they were not on an FRA railroad and certain safety appliances (and glazing) were not up to current standards. I also understand Watseka is satisfied with their pair, 7205 and 7210.