Thursday was the debut of WMSR's GE B32-8 #558. Originally it was NS #3558, built 1989, and is being leased from NIWX (Northern Illinois & Wiscsonsin Railway Corp). Here it is freshly painted into a WESTERN MARYLAND throwback livery.
I think the striping and emblems realy work nice on this modern GE.
Here's a video I whipped up for the occasion...
WESTERN MARYLAND SCENIC RAILROAD 558 - YouTube
When it's idling, it sounds just like an Amtrak Genesis diesel.
Wow! 558 looks fantastic!
Isn't it amazing how well those classic old diesel schemes adapt so well to modern units?
Thanks Fife!
She's facing the wrong way, though!
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
It may be that the diesel is the pusher. When I rode the train a couple months ago, the 2-6-6-2 was heading the train. Coming down the mountain from Frostburg, the diesel was leading. I hadn't realized there was a diesel at the end, until I was walking around. I suspect one reason is that the turntable at Frostburg can't accomodate the 2-6-6-2. I could be mistaken, though.
You are correct. Turntable is way to short for 1309.
The following day 558 was running long hood forward. It may have to do with that day's engineer's preference.
1309 was on the Sat-Sun runs. It pulls westbound, upgrade, to Frostburg, then the diesel brings the consist back eastbound, downgrade, to Cumberland. For now, saves wear and tare on the loco brakes.
1309 will fit on the turntable, but the track to the pit has to be regraded and angled at a more favorable approach.
fifedog For now, saves wear and tare on the loco brakes.
For now, saves wear and tare on the loco brakes.
Does 558 have dynamic brakes? Definitely save on all brakes cars and 1309.
fifedogThe following day 558 was running long hood forward. It may have to do with that day's engineer's preference. 1309 was on the Sat-Sun runs. It pulls westbound, upgrade, to Frostburg, then the diesel brings the consist back eastbound, downgrade, to Cumberland. For now, saves wear and tare on the loco brakes. 1309 will fit on the turntable, but the track to the pit has to be regraded and angled at a more favorable approach.
Saw a 'close up' picture of the 558. The 'F' designating the Front of the unit is on the long hood end.
I am going to guess, that the Engineer is on the right side of the cab when operating long hood forward, and therefore on the left side of the cab when operating short hood forward. NS thinking they can 'get away' with the Engineer on the 'wrong' side when operating short hood forward because of the better forward visibility when operating short hood forward.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Yes, engineer control stand on the starboard side of long hood.
Yes, all 45 B32-8's ordered by NS had dynamic brakes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIqETjqqX-Y
Acme Cinematography view of the WMSR operation
BaltACDAcme Cinematography view of the WMSR operation
Very nice, although I half expected Wile E Coyote to be listed in the credits...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
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