Looking for Info

Andrew Martin · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2003 2:13 pm

Can anyone tell me about these and what they were used for. just follow tyhe link
Andrew Martin

http://http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/new_page_163.htm
amartin@wlu.edu

Andrew Martin · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2003 2:15 pm

Sorry bout the bad link
Trying again
Andrew Martin

http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/new_page_163.htm
amartin@wlu.edu

Bob Yarger · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2003 3:03 pm

This is an early version of the GE 23 or 25 ton switcher. Grandt Line makes one in both HO and O scale. This is a classic critter. I hope someone gets it.

> Can anyone tell me about these and what they
> were used for. just follow tyhe link
> Andrew Martin

ryarger@rypn.org

Alan Levy · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2003 3:36 pm

I can't say much about unit itself but, it could be a great Hanukah / Xmas gift idea!

Almost would fit under a tree!

By the way, I think Grandt Line made one of these in H.O.

-Alan Levy

alanl759@aol.com

BrianF · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2003 10:17 pm

> Can anyone tell me about these and what they
> were used for. just follow tyhe link
> Andrew Martin

It's essentially a small, light duty, and inexpensive switch engine for industrial operators that don't need, or can't afford a larger switch engine.

These small industrial switchers are commonly referred to as "critters" and are a whole sub-field of preservation, and rail enthusiasm.

There are a couple of Yahoo groups where they are discussed at great length. Jay Reed maintains a list, and updates his books on critters and industrial locomotives regularly. His web site and books are a good place to start. There are also numerous web sites available through search engines on the topic.

Critters, Dinkys and Centercabs
brianf425@yahoo.com

BrianF · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2003 10:25 pm

> This is an early version of the GE 23 or 25
> ton switcher. Grandt Line makes one in both
> HO and O scale. This is a classic critter. I
> hope someone gets it.

According to Jay Reed's book, this is a 23 ton unit and was one of 11 20 and 23 ton units built in 1938 and 1939.

Critters, Dinkys and Centercabs
brianf425@yahoo.com

Jeff A. · **Posted:** Mon Dec 15, 2003 1:21 am

http://my.execpc.com/~jcampbel/ageir40.html
According to this site it's the 20-ton model. Predecessor of the 23-tonner. This critter is probably the last of it's kind, the price is a bargain. Durn, wish I had an extra 5 big ones lying around..........
J

jeff_acock@hotmail.com

Andrew L Martin · **Posted:** Mon Dec 15, 2003 11:10 am

Hi gents
Thanks for the info on this little beauty.
Andrew Martin

amartin@wlu.edu

John J. Blair · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2003 1:23 pm

> http://my.execpc.com/~jcampbel/ageir40.html
> According to this site it's the 20-ton
> model. Predecessor of the 23-tonner.
WRONG
It is a 23 tonner. Look at the sideframe plates- A 20 or 21 tonner would have triangular cutouts in those sideframes. Personally, $5k is a little steep. I paid $400 for mime (Wickwire Bros. #7 GE,1941, SN 15007 23-Ton end cab)
John J. Blair

jjbx@twcny.rr.com

Jeff A. · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2003 12:29 am

I beg to differ. It is a 20-tonner. Note the single side window, (23-tonner had a pair).
Also, this unit dates to 1938; the 23-ton model was introduced in 1939.
In re the price, 5G is certainly reasonable for a lokie this rare and unique. Your $400 deal was a steal, apparently, but GE end cabs are a lot more common box cabs.
J

jeffAcock@hotmail.com