Western Railroad Discussion > Center cab day

In all of my running about today chasing 844, I stumbled on a few center cab diesels. I've always liked center cabs, I remember my neighbor Hank had a few Lionel models that he would run under his Christmas tree. The ones I found today were all a little different, but it was great to find them.

1 - after leaving the Roundhouse in Evanston, I stumbled on this little blue center cab at the Union Tank Car facility. Anyone know what kind it is? Sure is small
2 - At the other end of Union Tank Car, I found this guy moving some cars around. Looks to be a GE 44 tonner, the paint scheme reminds me of the Salt Lake, Garfield, & Western. Is that the heritage of this unit?
3 - Had noticed this center cab at Hill AFB on my way up to Ogden this morning, so I made sure to grab a shot on my way home. Looks to be another GE 44 tonner, and it even has what looks like unloading ramps on the flatcar with it. Are all railroad units US Army now? I remember seeing photos in the newspaper of the train at Travis AFB (grew up nearby) and it was Air Force blue.

After today, my wife will say I've had my fill of trains for a while. At least until the next steam train comes along - hint, hint Heber Valley!

Nathan

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Think the first one is a Plymouth.

Posted from Android

I don't know. I'm thinking that first one is a GE center cab but built with a low profile cab. Lots of these were built for the US Army for use over seas. The low cab was due to clearance issues. I've seen others like this.

UTC 1303 used to be SLGW DS5 and is a 65 Tonner.

Posted from iPhone

Spencer Peterson
Payson, UT

I've never cared for center cabs. In fact, I don't really like them at all. It would be interesting to poll the opinion of other TO members to see what others think of these type of engines.

Posted from Android

Photo #1 appears to be a Ex Army GE DC ( Drop Cab) 45T
Photo # 3 is of a GE 80T just back from Fort Sill, OK

A true GE 44 Toner has no platform area around the front of the hoods.
This has been my first point of identification.
Put me down as a Fan of center-Cabs.

James R.(Jim) Baker
Whittier, CA

P Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've never cared for center cabs. In fact, I
> don't really like them at all. It would be
> interesting to poll the opinion of other TO
> members to see what others think of these type of
> engines.
>
> Posted from Android


Train orders polls would be interesting.

Nathan

Thanks for all the info guys, this is why I keep my Trainorders subscription. Learned a new way to identify the 44 toners. But I'll probably get the other sizes wrong all the time.

Nathan

OK, here's my data:

Center cab diesels = Like

Rich

P Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've never cared for center cabs. In fact, I
> don't really like them at all. It would be
> interesting to poll the opinion of other TO
> members to see what others think of these type of
> engines.
>
> Posted from Android