ALCO DL-109/110

[Don Gibson]

HALLMARK imported some KMT made "Amos & Andy's in pre-painted brass and only of interest to Santa Fe collectors. My DL109'110's were also made by KMT, but had to be painted. Both sit in my showcase. Like most KMT made (not to be confused with KTM) diesels, they looked nice but ran awkwardly.

Kumata (KMT)was a businessman that was interested primarily in the 'Bucks'. Katsumi (KTM) products however were excellent - and imported by Max Gray, Balboa, and Westside. (My Max Gray's still run).

Unfortunately Kumata sold more units.

How is your P1K DL-109 ? Most P1K's are geared way down.

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Don!

Info like this is never too much!

Though I don't model the Santa Fe, I've always liked this railroad and knowing about its history. This is especially good info for Santa Fe modelers that model the 40s and 50s. I've seen many Santa Fe layouts in MRR throughout the years in that time period, but I've rarely ever seen models of the DLs or Amos n' Andy on these layouts. Now I understand as these weren't "typical" locomotives found on Santa Fe.

It's a trajedy that no Alco DLs survived. It would be great if there were some old film clips showing the DLs and even the PAs pulling passenger trains at 100mph!

[Don Gibson]

AntonioFP45 this is for you:

According to Steve and Cynthia Priest's book, 'The Santa Fe Diesel'The original's (DL 100's) were built in1940 for the Rock Island, and May 194l DL-109's (9 modifications later) for the Santa Fe. These were ALCO's first entry into the Passenger Market. and used two engines (lke EMC's E-3), rode on A-1-A trucks, and was styled by Otto Kuhler - a famous Industrial desighner.

Most roads opted for the 'A' units ( only 4 'B's were ever built) howerever Santa Fe bought a pair: DL-109/110 - and was the the only set they had. The 1942 War Production Board) curtailed much of the locomotive's production and not obtaining certain 'strategic' materials caused some problems.

Santa Fe's DL 109/110 were geared for 120 MPH and could not handle the steep grades of the Santa Fe ( 3.5% Raton) so were relegated to the Midwest. Post War production ('46) was the 100 mph PA1/PB1 for which Santa Fe ordered 44 units. This engine made it's inaugural run pulling the Chicago - LA 'Fast Mail'. Iit became s assigned to almost any Transcontinental Western Passenger train the Santa Fe had - including the 'Surf Line'. They lasted 19 years. The Santa Fe remotored one original unit (51) with EMD prime movers which was nicknamed "Christine" (after the first sex-change operation of 'Christine' Jorgansen). "Christine' couldn't match the turbocharged ALCO's.

Amos 'N Andy or !A and 1B were box cab's with 'eyebrows'. 3 months after their inaugral run 1A had an onboard refueling fire ( They carried their own diesel fuel), and was rebuilt into '10', which looked more like a Bulldog than Bo Derek. idea to raise the crew above grade crossing accidents. EMD's sleek E-1's with the 'Warnonnet paint' took over the'Image' trains, and 1B became a rebuilt booster or transfer engine.

Now you've found out more than you probably ever wanted to hear.[8D] [:D] [8D]

Cheers,