Western Railroad Discussion > Three UP GP15-1's

On Monday afternoon Nov 12th, I heard a UP train ask the BNSF Main Line Dispatcher for a southbound signal at Earlville Illinois. The UP (ex C&NW) has a branch line that crosses the BNSF Mendota sub at Earlville. The UP branch runs southwest from De Kalb to Troy Grove Illinois. I caught up with the train at Troy Grove as it did some switching in town. The train had three GP15-1's UPY 720, 715 and 709.

1. UPY 720 leads the southbound at Troy Grove

2. The three GP15-1 (720, 715, & 709) run around some cars in a switching move.

3. UPY 709 is ready for the return trip north.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/12 15:37 by kjangel.

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The 709 is a GP15-1, but the other two are GP15ACs. The ACs were built with brand new AR10 AC current alternators rather than rebuilt D32 DC current generators that GP15-1s had. Also, the ACs have straight side sills. They're all Ex-Mo-Pac units though, therefore they're good engines, LOL.

Pump

Interesting catch! I like the 'variety' of the number boards on the UPY 720.

Very nice catch. Three baby tunnel motors together is quite a consist for sure. Thanks for showing
Brian Stevens

Posted from iPhone

Having grown up in SP territory where "tunnel motors" were designed for use dragging heavy trains thru tunnels without overheating, I never understood why they put "tunnel" radiators on these little things...