The Arkansas and Missouri is set to scrap (2) C-420's, One is ex LV and the other may be ex L&N.

Dave

Really? Fascinating. An official A&M announcement I assume?

ETA

There's no market for used Alco's??? I would think A&M could get a better price reselling to another railroad rather than to a scrapper.

Maybe they're parted-out hulks. If complete but have a major component failure (crankshaft, for example), they could be worth more parted out than as complete locomotives.

Dave -

Would be interesting to know which two units are being scrapped. I believe that the A&M had four ex-L&N C-420's; numbers 40, 44, 46 and 48. The later three were reportedly all originally ex-SAL, but number 40 was ex-Monon #515. Number 40 is the one that is of interest, although I don't even know if it still exists. Or if it does, if it is one of the units that is going to be scrapped. More info certainly welcome.

Les

The pictures sent to me show A&M#62 and a grey one lettered only " IBCX 332" looks like both are missing parts already.

An LV!?! How did it get there? Certainly there must be a market for old Alco road engines, not?

If the one unit is A&M 62, that is supposedly ex-LV #406. Monon #515 became L&N #1332 and later IBCX (Indiana Box Car) #332. Like to see a photo of the later if one is available. Even with parts missing, the units Monon heritage might make it something that should be preserved.

Les

Les,

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

The A&M C420 fleet has seen far longer service lives than they did under the original owners. More recently, the three new 70ACe's have replaced 5-6 C420's on the Monett turn.



Dave

Lets approach this from a different direction. The facebook poster said:

"Sitting on a side switch waiting for the scrappers torch"

That statement is no more factual than most of what was posted here April 1st. He ASSUMES that because they are not in the shop being actively repaired that they are awaiting the scrappers torch. Its no more accurate of a statement than me posting a picture of TVRM 610 sitting under the shed in Chattanooga with the same caption. Or items from Hoosier Valleys deadline or whatever organization.

Reacting to this like there is a crisis in progress because of a railfan's caption of a facebook is a waste of a whole bunch of time and effort better spent on real problems.

ETA

Dave -

Thanks for the photo of number 332.


Les

You could be correct, or maybe he'd not just assuming. How do you know what source of info he has and how accurate it is?

Also, it brings up a very valid question. IF these units have been sidetracked and IF they are worthy of preserving, should those parties that are interested in preserving them make some inquiries? Does that not apply if we're not in crisis mode? In fact, wouldn't it be better, and allow longer time for fund raising and negotiations? Or should we wait until the railroad officially announces they'll be cut up on such and such a date?

Just because they may or may not be in imminent danger doesn't change the fact that these unit's future may indeed be a "real problem", just not as urgent as it would appear. Then again, we don't even know that for certain.

The concept of a railroad announcing what locomotives they plan to scrap is at best,ludicrous.

I note the photo(s) of Amtrak AEM-7's being chopped up tells the entire story.

Anyone with minimal institutional knowledge of railroad motive power should be able to figure out that the demand for 50 yr. old Alcos and 30 yr. old AEM-7's as operable locomotives is close to nil.


Dave

Not always. I have seen railroads put equipment that is to be scrapped out for bid. It's fairly common actually, and ensures they get the best price. Obviously, they can also do it in house and tell nobody in advance.

All preservation is temporary at the very best.

Items belonging to a private individual are not, in fact preserved, regardless of the individual's intent. At least I think that's what I've read here previously.

There are several locomotives on the A&M in Springdale that are privately owned...

"Real Problem" was a poor choice of words. "Current Problem" may be much more accurate. For the moment the status of these two units (62 and 332) appears to be set and does not involve a cutting torch.

Things change. Your results may vary.

ETA