After five days back home, there’s so much updating to do… LLPX 2802, the first of the four SD38s, is now on the property and regularly working the ICCR/CRIC trains. 706 and 718, the first two new GP38s, have also arrived, delivered by the IC&E on 10-Aug-2004 and then promptly carried west (dead-in-tow) to Council Bluffs on IAIS. David Colstrom has sent more pictures, so I’ll get those posted shortly. Also, Joe Atkinson has provided a preliminary list of LLPX to IAIS 700s mapping, so I’m starting to work on unit histories and roster updates. He also reports that the units have several creature-comfort improvements, like higher-backed seats and refrigerators.
As far as existing power… The word is that 801’s main generator will be used to repair 800, and then 801 will be scrapped. 802 is still up and healthy, apparently working the Bluffs switcher by itself on Thursday. 466’s generator is also back from repair, so the other orange/white ex-IC motor will be back on the road shortly as well. (Thanks to Joe for this info…)
I’m also working on a five day look at the IAIS on the days immediately ahead of the arrival of the 700s. Included are a great number of trains powered by Paducah rebuilds, and one headed up by none other than 303 itself. Also will be a look at the new ICCR/CRIC trains. It should be posted soon (ie, this weekend) in drgw.net’s main trip reports section. I’m also headed back in a week, so there will be a second report looking at, hopefully, the first two 700s in action.
– NDH