AT&SF H12-44TS #543

Jdelhaye · **Posted:** Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:34 pm

AT&SF H12-44TS #543 is well on its way to IRM, from CSRM. Locomotive was last reported at Proviso yard, in the west suburbs of Chicago. She's making the trip on four truck QTTX flatcar # 131391.

Jeff

Brian Norden · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2009 2:46 am

This was one of only three F-M switchers equipped with steam generators. These 1200 HP units were all built for working the Chicago coach yard of the Santa Fe. Thus it is very good that it could be returned to the greater Chicago area.

tomgears · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2009 7:24 am

Are there any photos of it loaded on the flatcar?

Don C. · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:57 am

How about a couple of shots of sister #542 pulling Amtrak train 4's consist out of Chicago Union Station on April 6, 1974? Amtrak was still using the AT&SF's 21st Street coach yard for Trains 3 and 15. #542 was in strange territory but still doing what she was built for. And notice the signature FM white smoke as the engineer gets another notch to get the heavy train up to speed.

Don C.

Nova55 · **Joined:** Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:09 pm **Posts:** 597

What is the other thing on the flatcar? Looks like an engine block..

Jdelhaye · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2009 6:21 pm

Nova55 wrote:

What is the other thing on the flatcar? Looks like an engine block..

I heard rumors of a 12-201A coming with it.

May I ask where you saw pictures? I haven't see any yet.

Jeff

Nova55 · **Joined:** Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:09 pm **Posts:** 597

Heres a photo:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=1300715

Howard P. · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2009 12:57 am

That sure is a Winton. Where did that come from? Maybe out of the ATSF M-190 motor car? If so, why?

Nice to see a rare Chicagoland diesel back in home territory. I'm sure the IRM diesel dudes will do their usual nice job on it.

Howard P.

Not dialing-for-diesels any more...

Brian Norden · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2009 2:58 am

That might be a Winton that was once inside SP's EMC E-2A.

When the C&NW-UP-SP jointly owned City of San Francisco (and other trains power) locomotives were divided up, the Winton-powered, bulbous-noised E-unit went to the Southern Pacific. This unit was first numbered SF-1, then 983J, and then became SP 6011-A. Along the way it reportedly gained the nick name "Queen Mary." The SP later rebuilt the locomotive in 1953-54 at the Los Angeles General Shops; the frame was beefed-up to carry the weight of newer 567-B diesels, new generators, electrical, air brakes, and finally a new cab and noise. It was turned out as the #6017. It was retired in 1966; but, not before piloting a Pacific Locomotive Association excursion train operated with it as the featured locomotive.

The story is that the Wintons from the unit went to a salvage yard in the Wilmington (LA harbor area) and sat there for years. In time the one that remained was obtained by the California State Railroad Museum. CSRM had the diesel stored inside one of the shop buildings.