Diesel Engines of the Bessemer and Lake Erie
Total Unit Count:160
(B&LE 2-10-4 #643 in the middle of two F7(A) units Greenville, PA March 1961.)
Bob Rathke Photo
Bob Rathke Photo
13 years after the acquirement of Westinghouse 65 Ton #281, a second diesel locomotive was added to the roster. This marked the end of steam locomotives, and the beginning of dieselizing the Bessemer and Lake Erie.
In 1953 the dieselization of the B&LE was completed after they acquired 13 more F7 (A) and (B) units bringing their roster to a overall of 75 F7s. Below is an extensive roster telling the rich history of each diesel engine the B&LE owned.
In 1953 the dieselization of the B&LE was completed after they acquired 13 more F7 (A) and (B) units bringing their roster to a overall of 75 F7s. Below is an extensive roster telling the rich history of each diesel engine the B&LE owned.
EMD SW1500
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
150 |
03-1972 |
7355 |
7355 |
Ex-PC 9542/CR 9542, sold to US Steel in either late 2002 or early 2003 |
151 |
02-1972 |
7355 |
7355 |
Ex-PC 9516/CR 9516, sold to US Steel 10/2003 |
152 |
03-1972 |
7355 |
7355 |
Ex-PC 9556/CR 9556, sold to US Steel 10/2003 |
153 |
02-1972 |
7355 |
7355 |
Ex-PC 9512/CR 9512, sold to US Steel 2003 |
160 |
09-1973 |
72673 |
72673-1 |
Ex-URR 6, returned back to URR around 2002/2003 |
161 |
09-1973 |
72673 |
72673-3 |
Ex-URR 8, returned back to URR around 2002/2003 |
General Info
Engine- EMD 12-645E Traction Effort- 38,000 Weight- 248,000 Horsepower- 1,500 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
In 1998 the Bessemer acquired four Ex Conrail SW1500s. These units were intended to replace the SD9s at Calvin Yard, and F7s at the P&C dock for switching. They were painted in a solid black with the white Bessemer logos on the side of the cab originally. Both were eventually painted in the standard solid orange and black. In 2000 two more arrived which were from the Union Railroad and joined the other four working various jobs. Although the SW1500s were good locomotives, they were under-powered and the Bessemer eventually sold off the four original units, and returned the two others to the URR. |
Westinghouse 65 Ton
Bob Rathke Collection
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
281 |
1936 |
-- |
-- |
Sold in 1955 to AJ O'Neille, than United States Asphalt Company. It was retired eventually in 1962 |
General Info
Engine- ? Traction Effort- 14,500 Weight- 143,500 Horsepower- 530 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
This unit was the first diesel locomotive ever purchased by the Bessemer in 1936. It was placed into service at Erie yard. After the purchase of Baldwin DS-4-4-10 282, it was used as a back up engine and put into storage at Greenville, PA. |
BLW DS-4-4-10
Bob Rathke Collection
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
282 |
1949 |
-- |
73958 |
Sold to Geneva Steel 1962 |
General Info
Engine- Baldwin 4-cycle 608NA Traction Effort- 34,000 Weight- 266,000 Horsepower- 1,000 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
This unit was acquired in 1949 to replace 65 ton 281 and take over duties on the Erie Branch. It was periodically used by the Saxonburg Sintering plant when their switcher was laid up or in for maintenance at the BLE Greenville Shops. 282 was sold in 1962 to US Steel's Columbia-Geneva Steel Division near Provo, Utah. |
EMD SW8
Bob Rathke Collection
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
285 |
03-1951 |
-- |
12989 |
Sold to LTEX |
General Info
Engine- EMD 8-645B Traction Effort- 36,000 Weight- 230,000 Horsepower- 800 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
Aquired in 1963 from the Donora Southern railroad, this unit was the first and only SW8 owned by the Bessemer. It worked the Erie Branch along with NW2 286. It was eventually leased to the Youngstown & Northern Railroad, and was than sold to the Union Railroad in 1980. It was sold to LTEX on a unknown date. |
EMD NW2
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
286 |
04-1947 |
-- |
4796 |
Scrapped unknown date |
General Info
Engine- EMD 12-567A Traction Effort- 31,000 Weight- 248,000 Horsepower- 1,000 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
Acquired in 1963 from the Donora Southern railroad, this unit was the first and only NW2 owned by the Bessemer. It worked the Erie Branch along with SW8 285. It was eventually leased to the Youngstown & Northern Railroad, and was than sold to the Union Railroad in 1980. It was eventually retired and scrapped by the URR at on a unknown date. |
ALCO S4
Bob Rathke Collection
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
291 |
07-1952 |
-- |
80064 |
Sold to Youngstown & Northern 1962 |
292 |
07-1952 |
-- |
80065 |
Sold to Youngstown & Northern 1963 |
General Info
Engine- ALCO 4-539T Traction Effort- 35,000 Weight- 230,000 Horsepower- 1,000 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
The Bessemer purchased their only two ALCo S-4s in July of 1952. Both units were painted in the black and yellow paint scheme when they were built. 292 eventually received the orange and black "Butterknife" scheme. Their assignments were typically working out of Erie, PA. |
BLW DRS-6-6-15
(DRS-6-6-15 #407 seen switching at Greenville, PA 4/1971)
Photo by Robert S. Kaplan
Photo by Robert S. Kaplan
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
401 |
01-1949 |
-- |
73988 |
Sold to EJ&E 03/1956, sold by them to Joliet Railway Equipment 05/1975 and scrapped unknown date |
402 |
01-1949 |
-- |
73989 |
Sold to EJ&E 03/1956, sold by them to Joliet Railway Equipment 05/1975, and scrapped unknown date |
403 |
05-1950 |
-- |
74715 |
Scrapped unkown date |
404 |
05-1950 |
-- |
74933 |
Scrapped unknown date |
405 |
05-1950 |
-- |
74934 |
Scrapped unknown date |
406 |
05-1950 |
-- |
74935 |
Scrapped unknown date |
407 |
05-1950 |
-- |
74936 |
Scrapped unknown date |
General Info
Engine- Baldwin 4-cycle 608 SC Traction Effort- 66,750 Weight- 330,400 Horsepower- 1,500 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
In 1949 the Bessemer purchased two BLW DRS-6-6-15s. They eventually ordered 5 more from BLW in 1950. All units featured the black and orange "Butterknife" paint scheme. 401 and 402 were sold in 1956 to the EJE and were renumbered to 500 and 501. All were scrapped on a unknown date. |
BLW AS-616
Bob Rathke Collection
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
408 |
1952 |
-- |
75757 |
Scrapped 1973 Naporano Iron, New Jersey |
409 |
1952 |
-- |
75758 |
Scrapped 1973 Naporano Iron, New Jersey |
General Info
Engine- Baldwin 4-cycle 608 SC Traction Effort- 72,900 Weight- 355,000 Horsepower- 1,600 Dynamic Braking- No |
Notes
In 1952 the Bessemer purchased two BLW AS-616s based on their favorable experience with their 7 BLW DRS-6-6-15s. These units were assigned to switching duties on the line. They were sold in 1973 for scrap to the Naporano Iron and Metal in New Jersey. |
EMD F7(A) & (B)
(F7 (A) #722 sitting at the Kaylor, PA yard on the Western Allegheny Divison 8/9/1976)
Photo by Robert J. Yanosey.
Photo by Robert J. Yanosey.
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
701A 701B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11809 11816 |
701A Sold to B&O 4644,1962. Traded to EMD 5/7/68 |
702A 702B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11810 11817 |
702A Sold to B&O 4655, 1962. Traded to EMD 7/17/72 |
703A 703B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11811 11818 |
703A Sold to B&O 4646, 1962. Sold to Naporano Iron & Metal, 11/26/73 |
704A 704B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11812 11819 |
704A Sold to B&O 4647, 1962. Traded to EMD 2/3/68 |
705A 705B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11813 11820 |
705A Sold to B&O 4652, 1962. Traded to EMD 10/3/72 |
706A 706B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11814 11821 |
706A Sold to B&O 4653, 1962. Traded to EMD 1967 |
707A 707B |
06-1950 |
6118 |
11815 11822 |
707A sold to B&O 4654, 1962. Traded to EMD 4/5/68 |
708A 708B |
02-1951 |
3085 |
13678 13685 |
708A Sold to B&O 4648, 1962. Sold to Naporano Iron & Metal 8/5/75 |
709A 709B |
03-1951 |
3085 |
13679 13686 |
709A Sold to B&O 4649, 1962. Traded to EMD 11/18/70 |
710A 710B |
03-1951 |
3085 |
13680 13687 |
710A & 710B Sold to B&O 4650 & 5536 1962. 710A traded to EMD 2/27/68 |
711A 711B |
03-1951 |
3085 |
13681 13688 |
711A Sold to B&O 4651, 1962. Traded to EMD 2/27/68 |
712A 712B |
03-1951 |
3085 |
13682 13689 |
712A sold to PNCX 1970. 712B sold to USS as 7128 |
713A 713B |
03-1951 |
3085 |
13683 13690 |
713A sold to PNCX 1970 |
714A 714B |
03-1951 |
3085 |
13684 13891 |
714A sold to PNCX 1970 |
715A 715B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16587 16598 |
715A sold to Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company 1968, and both were equipped with RC system. Both were sold to TRCX in 2001 |
716A 716B |
06-1951 |
3105 |
16588 16599 |
716A sold to PNCX 1970 |
717A 717B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16589 16600 |
717A sold to PNCX 1970 |
718A 718B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16590 16601 |
718A sold to PNCX 1970, 718A equipped with RC system |
719A 719B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16591 16602 |
719A sold to Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company 1973. Sold to TRCX 2001. 719B sold to TRCX. Both equipped with RC system |
720A 720B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16592 16603 |
720A sold to TPW as 1500, to AIDX working on Grafton & Upton |
721A 721B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16593 16604 |
Scrapped unknown date? 721A equipped with RC system |
722A 722B |
06-1952 |
3105 |
16594 16605 |
722A sold to SBVR painted in B&O scheme. 722A equipped with RC system |
723A 723B |
06-1952 02-1953 |
3105 |
16595 17914 |
723A & 723B sold to USS |
724A 724B |
06-1952 02-1953 |
3105 |
16596 17919 |
724A & 724B sold to USS |
725A 725B |
02-1953 |
3158 |
17909 17920 |
725A sold to CRLE. 725A equipped with RC service |
726A 726B |
02-1953 |
3158 |
17910 17921 |
726A & 726B sold to USS |
727A |
02-1953 |
3158 |
17911 |
Sold to SRNJ, acquired by RBMN 2017 |
728A |
02-1953 |
3158 |
17912 |
Sold to SRNJ, acquired by RBMN 2017 |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-567B Traction Effort- 40,000 Weight- 248,000 Horsepower- 1,500 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
These 54 EMD F7s were delivered in four separate orders 701A-707A and 701B-707B were the first order. 708A-714A, and 708B-714B were the second order. 715A-724A and 715B-722B were the third order. The last order was 725A-728A, and 723B-726B. These units served the Bessemer for nearly 50 years which no locomotive on the Bessemer has yet to surpass. Units 701A-710A and 710B were sold to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the early 1960s. During the winter months the Bessemer leased out some of the F7s and they could be seen roaming around areas such as Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Vermont, and even throughout Canada. By the 1970s only 12 F7s remained, 8 A, and 4 B units. A few of the F7A & B units were sold to the P&C Dock company during this time period. They were equipped with a remote control system (RC) and were used for switching in Conneaut Harbor. In the 1980s, the Bessemer started rebuilding the remaining F7 units. They were being used on the Western Allegheny Branch operations at the time. The F7s received new electrical equipment and EMD 645 power assemblies in the original 567 block. |
EMD SD7
Photo by David Stewart
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
451 |
04-1953 |
5212 |
17904 |
Scrapped unknown date |
452 |
04-1953 |
5212 |
17905 |
Scrapped unknown date |
453 |
04-1953 |
5212 |
17906 |
Scrapped unknown date |
454 |
04-1953 |
5212 |
17907 |
Sold to HRT 2001, currently out of service in Airline, GA |
455 |
04-1953 |
5212 |
17908 |
Scrapped unknown date |
801 |
10-1952 |
6436 |
17138 |
Passenger Equipped, scrapped unknown date |
802 |
10-1952 |
6436 |
17139 |
Passenger Equipped, scrapped unknown date |
803 |
10-1952 |
6436 |
17140 |
Passenger Equipped. Scrapped Greenville, PA 1995? |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-567B Traction Effort- 75,000 Weight- 360,000 Horsepower- 1,500 Dynamic Braking- 451-455: No 801-803: Yes |
Notes
In 1952 the Bessemer acquired three EMD SD7s which were equipped with duel control stands. These units were equipped with steam generators for passenger trains. They then acquired a series of 5 more SD7s in 1953. These units lacked dynamic braking and were equipped for long hood forward operation. They were primarily used for switching and local service. |
EMD SD9
(SD9 #832 seen sitting at Greenville, PA yard on 9/3/1989)
Photo by Doug Boyd.
Photo by Doug Boyd.
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
821 |
02-1958 |
5555 |
23916 |
Ex- DMIR 136, sold to LTEX, scrapped in the early 2000s |
822 |
02-1958 |
5555 |
23920 |
Ex-DMIR 140, destroyed at Sherwin, PA 1982 |
02-1958 |
5555 |
23921 |
Ex-DMIR 141, scrapped 6/1987 |
|
824 |
03-1958 |
5555 |
23926 |
Ex-DMIR 146, scrapped 6/1987 |
825 |
03-1958 |
5555 |
23928 |
Scrapped at Greenville, PA 1995 |
826 |
03-1956 |
5456 |
21727 |
Ex-DMIR 101, scrapped unknown date |
827 |
03-1956 |
5456 |
21728 |
Ex-DMIR 102, scrapped at Greenville, PA 1995 |
828 |
03-1956 |
5456 |
21729 |
Ex-DMIR 103, scrapped 6/1987 |
829 |
03-1956 |
5456 |
21730 |
Ex-DMIR 104, scrapped unknown date |
830 |
03-1956 |
5456 |
21732 |
Ex-DMIR 106, sold to LTEX, scrapped 2003 |
831 |
07-1955 |
6533 |
20655 |
Ex-EMDX 5591, Ex-DMIR 110, scrapped unknown date |
832 |
03-1956 |
5456 |
21735 |
Ex-DMIR 109, sold to LTEX 2000, scrapped 2001 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23101 |
Ex-DMIR 113, scrapped unknown date |
|
834 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23102 |
Ex-DMIR 114 scrapped 1987 |
835 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23107 |
Ex-DMIR 119, scrapped unknown date |
836 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23110 |
Ex-DMIR 122, scrapped 6/1987 |
837 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23111 |
Ex-DMIR 123, scrapped 6/1987 |
838 |
02-1958 |
5555 |
23911 |
Ex-DMIR 131, scrapped 6/1987 |
839 |
02-1958 |
5555 |
23917 |
Ex-DMIR 137, scrapped 6/1987 |
840 |
02-1958 |
5555 |
23931 |
Ex-DMIR 151, scrapped 6/1987 |
841 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23099 |
Ex-DMIR 111, sold to LTEX 1999, scrapped unknown date |
842 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23100 |
Ex-DMIR 112, scrapped 1987 |
843 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23103 |
Ex-DMIR 115, scrapped unknown date |
844 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23105 |
Ex-DMIR 117, sold to SBVR 150 |
845 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23106 |
Ex-DMIR 118, sold to SBVR 151 |
846 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23112 |
Ex-DMIR 124, sold to LTEX, scrapped 2004 |
847 |
02-1957 |
5525 |
23114 |
Ex-DMIR 126, sold to LTEX, scrapped 2004 |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-567C Traction Effort- 75,000 Weight- 360,000 Horsepower- 1,750 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
From 1964 to 1980 the Bessemer slowly accumulated 27 Ex DM&IR SD9s. These SD9s were equipped for high short hood operations and featured a high short hood mounted bell. 844-847 had their short high hood chopped after being acquired. Listed below are dates of when each batch of units were acquired. 1964: 821-825. 1965: 826-829. 1967: 830-831. 1968: 832-834. 1971: 835-840. 1972: 841-843. 1979: 844-846. 1980: 847. |
EMD SD18
(B&LE postcard featuring bicentennial SD18 #853)
|
(SD18 #851 seen sitting outside the Albion, PA yard shops 8/6/1978)
Photo by Bill Willcox |
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
851 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27721 |
Sold to EJE 03/1995 |
852 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27722 |
Sold to EJE 03/1995 |
853 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27723 |
Bicentennial Unit, sold to SBVR 182 |
854 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27724 |
Sold to LTEX, scrapped 2007-2008? |
855 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27725 |
Sold to LTEX, scrapped 2007-2008? |
856 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27726 |
Sold to LTEX, scrapped 2007-2008? |
857 |
01-1963 |
5644 |
27727 |
Destroyed at Sherwin, PA 1982 |
858 |
04-1960 |
5616 |
25795 |
Ex-DMIR 182, acquired 1998, retired 3/8/2008 sold to LTEX |
859 |
04-1960 |
5616 |
25786 |
Ex-DMIR 191, acquired 1998, retired 2008 sold to LTEX |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-567D1 Traction Effort- 67,500 Weight- 390,000 Horsepower- 1,800 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
The EMD SD18s were purchased by the Bessemer in the early 1960s. These locomotives originally featured Bessemer side stripped orange and black paint scheme, and black BLE emblems on the front nose and the middle of the rear hood end. These units were the first to feature the Leslie S3LR horns and a low nose. Eventually they removed the black side stripe and the black BLE emblems. Around 1973 they received gyralights. Units 858, and 859 were purchased from the DMIR railroad in early 1998. Both of these units were rebuilt by the DMIR in 1999. Part of the rebuild was replacing the EMD 567 and putting EMD 645 power assemblies in. The DMIR reclassifying these as SD-Ms. |
EMD SD38
(SD38 #861 seen sitting at Albion, PA yard 8/7/1978)
Photo by Bill Cox
Photo by Bill Cox
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
861 |
05-1967 |
7986 |
33053 |
Sold to DMIR 1/26/93. Sold to LTEX 2003 |
862 |
05-1967 |
7986 |
33054 |
Sold to DMIR 1/26/93. Resold to BLE June 1999. To CN after BLE acquirement in 2004 |
863 |
05-1967 |
7986 |
33055 |
Sold to DMIR 8/28/92. Retired 2005, and scrapped |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-645E3 Traction Effort- 82,100 Weight- 360,000 Horsepower- 2,000 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
In 1967 the Bessemer purchased their first 3 "shark nose" SD38 units. These were the first EMD units on the Bessemer to feature EMD's newer non turbocharged 16-645 diesel engine. Originally equipped with Leslie S3LR horns. |
EMD SD38AC
(SD38AC #868 working the P&C Dock at Conneaut, OH)
Photo by Josh Patton
Photo by Josh Patton
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
864 |
07-1971 |
7327 |
33703 |
Destroyed Conneaut, OH, 9/27/1974. Sold to Industrial Maintenance Service for scrap |
07-1971 |
7327 |
33704 |
Sold to DMIR 1/26/1993. Retired 2008, and sold to WGNS 2009 |
|
866 |
07-1971 |
7327 |
33705 |
To CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
867 |
07-1971 |
7327 |
33706 |
To CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
868 |
07-1971 |
7327 |
33707 |
To CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
869 |
07-1971 |
7327 |
33708 |
Sold to DMIR 5/29/2002, Retired 2007, sold to RLGX 2009 |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-645E3 Traction Effort- 82,100 Weight- 360,000 Horsepower- 2,000 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
In 1971 the Bessemer acquired 6 EMD SD38AC units from EMD. These units unlike other SD38 variants featured a AR10 AC Alternator instead of the conventional DC generator. Originally they were equipped with Leslie S3LR horns. |
EMD SD38-2
(SD38-2 #877 at the Albion, PA yard shops 8/6/1978)
Photo by Bill Wilcox
Photo by Bill Wilcox
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
210 |
03-1975 |
74649 |
74649-2 |
Ex-DMIR 210, returned to them 12/20/1992. Retired 4/3/2009 |
658 |
01-1974 |
73654 |
73654-3 |
Ex-EJE 658, sold back to EJE 3/2001 |
870 |
03-1973 |
72677 |
72677-1 |
Sold to EJE 11/2001 |
871 |
03-1973 |
72677 |
72677-2 |
Destroyed at Sherwin, PA 1982 |
872 |
03-1973 |
72677 |
72677-3 |
Sold to EJE 01/2002. |
873 |
?-1973 |
72677 |
72677-4 |
Sold to LTEX, sold to GMTX 2008 |
874 |
?-1973 |
72677 |
72677-5 |
Destroyed at Sherwin, PA 1982 |
875 |
?-1973 |
72677 |
72677-6 |
Destroyed at Sherwin, PA 1982 |
876 |
05-1973 |
72677 |
72677-7 |
Sold to EJE 03/2001 |
877 |
05-1973 |
72677 |
72677-8 |
Sold to EJE 03/2001 |
878 |
02-1974 |
72677 |
72677-9 |
To CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
879 |
02-1974 |
74612 |
74612-1 |
Sold to EJE 01/2001 |
890 |
04-1975 |
74677 |
74677-1 |
Sold to EJE 11/2001 |
891 |
04-1975 |
74677 |
74677-2 |
Sold to EJE 03/1986 |
892 |
03-1976 |
756069 |
756069-1 |
Leased 03/12/1980 to DMIR, eventually bought by them 07/1989 |
General Info
Engine - EMD 16-645E3 Traction Effort- 90,000 Weight- 368,000 Horsepower- 2,000 Dyanmic Braking- Yes |
Notes
From 1973-1976 the Bessemer acquired 13 SD38-2s. These units are a upgraded version of the SD38 with modular electronic control systems. Equipped originally with Leslie S3LR horns. In 1980 the B&LE, EJ&E, and DM&IR participated in a locomotive swap. The USS Headquarters at PA, stated the B&LE's Superintendent of Motive Power was over-maintaining B&LE engines. He explained each railroad had the same model locomotives (SD38-2), but EJ&E and DM&IRs were maintained at a lower cost than the B&LE. B&LE 891 was sent to the EJ&E in exchange for EJ&E 658. B&LE 892 went to the DMI&R in exchange for DMI&R 210. This swap was to prove that the B&LE locomotive duty cycle was different, and that the terrain is much different compared to its sister roads. |
ALCO RSD15
(RSD15 #886 at North Bessemer, PA yard 7/31/1971)
Photo by Robert S. Kaplan
Photo by Robert S. Kaplan
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
881 |
04-1956 |
-- |
81756 |
Ex-DMIR 50, sold to Cartier 1972, retired 1988 and scrapped |
882 |
04-1956 |
-- |
81757 |
Ex-DMIR 51, sold to Cartier 1972, retired 1988 and scrapped |
883 |
04-1956 |
-- |
81758 |
Ex-DMIR 52, sold to Cartier 1973, retired 1988 and scrapped |
884 |
04-1956 |
-- |
81759 |
Ex-DMIR 53, sold to Cartier 1973, retired 1988 and scrapped |
885 |
04-1956 |
-- |
81760 |
Ex-DMIR 54, sold to Cartier 1972, retired 1988 and scrapped |
886 |
04-1956 |
-- |
81761 |
Ex-DMIR 55, sold to Cartier 1972, retired 1988 and scrapped |
General info
Engine- ALCO 16-251B Traction Effort- 79,500 Weight- 386,100 Horsepower- 2,400 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
These units were originally from the DMIR, and were acquired by the Bessemer in 1964. In 1972 the Cartier Railroad was power short, and the Bessemer sold four of their RSD15s to them. The following year, the rest of the units were sold to them. In 1988 all of the RSD15s were scrapped. |
EMD SD40T-3
Unit |
Build Date |
Order Number |
Builder Number |
Notes (See below also) |
900 |
03-1973 |
72625 |
72625-29 |
Ex-SSW 9289/SP9289, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
901 |
05-1972 |
72601 |
72601-24 |
Ex-SSW 9232, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
902 |
03-1972 |
7336 |
7336-24 |
Ex-SP 9189, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
903 |
01-1975 |
73674 |
73674-8 |
Ex-SP 9351, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
904 |
03-1973 |
72625 |
72625-9 |
Ex-SSW 9269/SP 6816, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
905 |
03-1973 |
72625 |
72625-26 |
Ex-SSW 9286/SP 9286, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
906 |
01-1975 |
73674 |
73674-5 |
Ex-SP 9348, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
907 |
09-1973 |
73621 |
73621-4 |
Ex-SP 6305/SP 6887, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
908 |
03-1973 |
72625 |
72625-41 |
Ex-SSW 9301/SP 6827, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
909 |
02-1973 |
72625 |
72625-17 |
Ex-SSW 9277/SP 6890, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
910 |
05-1972 |
72601 |
72601-21 |
Ex-SP 9229/SP 6825, to CN after BLE acquirement 2004 |
General Info
Engine- EMD 16-645E3 Traction Effort- 82,100 Weight- 368,000 Horsepower- 3,000 Dynamic Braking- Yes |
Notes
The SD40T-3s were rebuilt in 1999-2000 from former Southern Pacific/Cotton Belt SD45T-2 units. 901-906 were rebuilt by the Boise Locomotive Company, and 907-910 were rebuilt by the DMIR Proctor Shops. These locomotives were the first and only turbocharged EMD locomotives owned by the Bessemer. They are equipped with a EMD 16 cylinder engine vs the 20 cylinder one, and were downgraded from 3,600 HP to 3,000 HP. They are also equipped with Q-Tron locomotive control systems. These units also featured the newer Bessemer logo, numbering font, and recessed mars lights inside the number board housing. |