The E&LS purchased 7 units from Reserve Mining after the bankruptcy, 5 SD9's and 2 SW8's. For the price paid (pennies on the dollar) this was a fantastic deal for the E&LS and these units have paid for themselves over and over. Five units were sitting outside, with the #1223 inside the shop being prepped for service. The #1200 was not to be seen, but I believe it usually stays up in Menemonie, MI. While the #1220 has been used as a parts source, the #1221 and #1224 have been used as recently as 2016 (#1221 at least) and sit together in storage with their stacks capped. I'm told the #1201 still is used, just not at the current moment.
I know this has become overkill and annoying, but I cannot emphasis enough that this was arranged through personal relationships and DO NOT THINK ABOUT TRESPASSING. No, just because I was allowed to do this does not mean you are allowed to, I have seen too many good things ruined by people pestering railroads by saying "well he got to do it!". Please respect the privacy of the E&LS and enjoy this rare look at some of their unique equipment.
Not
just heritage schemes, not just commemorative schemes - this album is devoted to some of the world's most interesting paint schemes, past or present.
