Switchers time of service

[Anonymous]

Specifically early S series (S1's for example), V01000's, NW-2's, and SW1's. What I'm wondering is, could they realistically still be used in shortline service or as industry owned switchers in present day operations? Or are these engines so old at this point that it would be extremely rare to see them operating today?

I've found some Athearn BB SW1500's on ebay in the road's I'm interested in, but they'd have to be converted to DCC, which I'm brand new to, so I've been thinking about early switchers just for my shortline and local coal mine. Seems until the MP15's come out, early switchers are the only DCC equipped and DCC ready switcher's I can find.

[orsonroy]

There are still old first-generation switchers all over the place, at least around Illinois. Most large grain elevator complexes (and many small ones!) have a swicher, and they're almost always ancient. Over the past year, I've seen S-1's, S-4's, NW-2's, SW-7's, SW-1500's, and even a 1928 Plymouth! There are a few shortlines that still use SW's too, at least out East (check Railpace for current photos). The last time I saw a VO-series engine was in the Gary/Hammond area in 2001, so they're still floating around too.

[GN-Rick]

i would agree with that statement. Old switchers never seem to die,
they just seem to get new owners. In the Seattle area there are two
SW1s on a terminal-type railroad (don't know the name) although
one might be a parts source for the other. One can find-old EMDs
especially-without much effort.

[ndbprr]

They wind up on shortlines all the time. One of the reasons is the price. generally rebuilders will bring them up to snuff and lease or sell them. they are ideal for shortlines because the are uncomplicated machines that do not require the sophisticated maintenance of modern engines maiing them less costly to operate and troubleshoot. I've seen everything from an SW-1 through an HH660 until very recently. Also consider them for industrial purposes for the same reasons.

[oleirish]

Old switchers never die, they just get used for spare parts,here is an G.E.800 in White City Oregon that is spare parts for its sister


JIM

[tstage]

jshrade,

The Alco S1's were built between 1940 and 1950. I would imagine a few are still being used, but most will be found only at RR museums: http://www.thedieselshop.us/PRSVDalco.HTML

Here's a couple of handy sites for you:

http://yardlimit.railfan.net
- Very good and informative site on all types of yard switchers. Click on the "spotter's guide" for history and info links.

http://www.thedieselshop.us/DS.html
- Gives pictures and extensive roster lists and numbers for many current and defunct lines.

I've found both sites very helpful. Hope that's a help...[:)]

Tom

[joseph2]

My employer still uses a NW2 and a Baldwin DS 4-4-1000 in an Industrial yard. Some Indiana shortlines are owned by Rail America which seems to prefer newer EMDs.The Department of Defense also used to use baldwins.

[Eddystone]

jshrade, here is a link to the roster of SMS Lines in Bridgeport New Jersey, they use nothing but Baldwin Diesel Locomotives. No where else in the world can you find a bigger collection of old Baldwins still in use.
http://yardlimit.railfan.net/baldwindiesels/sms/gallery/index.html