LAKE STATE SCRAPPING RS-ALCOS -- URGENT!!

[RailCanon]

I cannot reveal my source for this information, but here is everything I have been told.
The order has come down from Jim George, the owner of Lake State, to scrap EVERY piece of rolling stock that is either bad ordered or in need of repair. This includes the former D&M freight cars that have been mentioned at the Michiganrailroads.com message boards (20 of those cars have been scrapped in the past week, alone...), but it also includes the following locomotives. Details of their statuses are included:
1195 RS-11 - In Saginaw. Was being rewired and is torn apart presently.
975 RS-3m - May already be scrapped... no recent sightings of it
974 RS-3m - In Saginaw. Is operational, but has a bent frame.

469 - RS2u - In Saginaw, needs new seals, but other than that, is in good condition.
The mechanical forces at Lake State are aware of 469's significance and would like to save it in someway. Unfortunately, the lowest going price for it is $20,000 and the scrap value is $40,000. If anyone here has that money ($20,000), or has the need for a locomotive, or just wants to save this engine, CONTACT LAKE STATES IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The 469 is one of the last remaining RS-2s anywhere, as well as one of the very first built, and was the last operational RS-2 in regular service in North America. For these reasons, it deserves preservation. PLEASE HELP SAVE 469!!

[redside20]

Geez Greg, if they need to be scrapped, then let them be. Nothing we can do about it. Besides they were probably a maintenance headache anyway

[AARR]

It's sad to see the original RS2's being scrapped. Especially since they were in service for so many years after other ALCo's. It's a testimony to the maintenance crews for D&M.

I'd like to see RS2u 466 saved since that was the first RS2 built. It'd be nice if they could place it in a park in Bay City, Alpena, or Tawas City.

[jukeman]

When Jim had a few tracks here and there that old power was ok, but now
he has a full fledged railroad operation that needs reliable power and although he doesn't seem to think so.. decent track. I think it's sink or swim time and some changes had better take place or the bankruptcy bells will be ringing.

[redside20]

When Jim had a few tracks here and there that old power was ok, but now
he has a full fledged railroad operation that needs reliable power and although he doesn't seem to think so.. decent track. I think it's sink or swim time and some changes had better take place or the bankruptcy bells will be ringing.

that or some hostile takeover is in over. I think some anarchy needs to be declared on the Lake State Railway

[EMDACESteve]

Well side Dennis. Its nice to know you and I actually agree and feel the same way about something.
It took SBS over a week to get that track back in service where that tankcar derailed.

[Mackinac Mac]

American Locomotive has been out of buisiness how long?
These units are how old?



As much as I enjoyed the belching ALCo smoke and the classic lines,
these longtime favorite units are long overdue for retirement and should be~! Steam was fantastic from a fan standpoint, but that had to come to an end too.

Im sure that the retirement of these old beasts is necessary for Lake States survival as a profitable rail carrier, not a museum.. they probably just required too much work. We cant save everything, so enjoy it while it lasts. I miss my old truck, but getting to work reliably was more important than running a Dodge Museum. Hopefully they can make some track upgrades as well. Best luck to LSRC and thanks for the Info!

I just tossed out a brand new car with a dead engine, the cost of putting a new one in was more than the car was worth, that being said and in this economy, they may be better off upgrading as opposed to patching up an old rust bucket.













As I look back on all these great photos, it wasnt really the chase to catch all these rare old ALCos, but the good times I had with my friends going on trips along the old Huron Shore.

Weather it be an RS2 from 1946, or give me a Furbie Rent a Wreck SD43MRBQ-7ACU MK Special, the last of the leavins doesn't take the real fun out of chasing trains, its good to see any train these days!

Mike

P.S. (Watch me get all worked up when they throw those perfectly good C425s with the nice Leslie RS5Ts Out! lol)

[RailCanon]

I don't have a problem with seeing the RS-11 and the two RS-3m's go.
But 469 is historically significant and very very rare. Even if it never runs again, it is fully worthy of preservation.
And for the record, the Centuries are fine for the time being.
The M420s are a different story...

[jukeman]

Well side Dennis. Its nice to know you and I actually agree and feel the same way about something. :wink: :lol:
It took SBS over a week to get that track back in service where that tankcar derailed. :roll:

Funny how life works, huh

[Stitch]

If I had the money and a large barn/storage shed with rail access I would buy it in a second. On that note has anyone got a contact at Greenfield Village? They might/ could be interested? Just a thought....

[Al]

the 469 won't be scrapped

[jukeman]

Is that the word from Henny Penny, Cocky Locky and Ducky Doodle LOL

[astrovanman1989]

anyone know were 1195 or 975 and maybe get pictures

[Al]

try Rifkin

[Racer]

I think every member should donate money and put it all into buying LSRC 469, buy some property, and put it there as the "Railroadfan" monument! -Chris

[penn central]

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[cnw8835]

try Rifkin

i was by rifkin today thay are there, i hope everybody got there picture's

Could you tell which units were there?

[penn central]

.

[mikerm19]

I wish C&M had the money to take them. And I would park 1195 in my driveway and fix it, hehe.

[penn central]

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