Were they ever called 397 or 398? Why can't they call them by their real names. The last time I rode in the cab of one of the tiny beasts at Morris Park back in the 1970's, the hostlers called them "Dinks". On a wet day, they could be pushed (sliding) across the turntable by one of the old A unit powerpacks on the grade between the house and the pit. Brakes on the dink full on!! The engineer I was with called the little locos names other than "Dinks" ...LOL

Glad they were preserved either way...They bring back great memories.

Now Lets now forget what happened to the 3rd 25 Tonner, 399. She was donated to the Railroad Museum of Long Island and runs after being repowerd by the Morris Park shops.




Bruce, the reason for the names was really a PR thing by the RR. For the 175th Anniversary, they had "Name the engines contest" for free tickets to a show, and Dashing Dan & Dashing Dottie were the winning names. Otherwise they are really know was dinky’s. Cannot speak for the 397 & 398 but after working with the 399, they really are nice little engines. We'll have to get you in the cab of the running dinky some time so you can relive your memories :-)

Anthony

Speaking of named Long Island Rail Road critters, were Mike and Ike ever saved? They did go to the 1939-40 World's Fair, to switch it!

Mike and Ike died during the mid-1950's. They operated both in tandem and singly.