Western Railroad Discussion > Kansas and Oklahoma RR in Wichita, KS

Out on a wintery day here in Wichita. Wasn't the best day to be taking pics but...hey, the lady that gave me permission to take these was in good spirits so I couln't pass it up.

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SKOL GP-30

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One of a kind, still hanging out in Wichita

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Is that GP30 and high hood SD45 some of their every day power??? If so, WOW!! I love it...

These GP's are in sad shape. Looks like there being canabalized...I could be wrong though.

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IMHO the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad is one of the best kept secrets in trainwatching. It is a very interesting to railfan. They have a variety of older motive power, interesting operations, and the employees are generally friendly. I have spent many a pleasant day watching them at Coffeyville and Cherryvale, KS.

I belive that the high hood SD showed up sometime over the summer. They have a fleet of GP-30's that are painted black and yellow along with some GP-38's that they usually run.

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Sorry about the quality of this one, shows the K&O paint. The SKOL and K&O are seperate railroads owned by Watco

http://www.watcocompanies.com/railroads.htm

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My guess is that SD45 is ex.Southern RR since their
number series was in the 3100-3169 bracket.

Can someone explain the LeTourneau drive system, I have not seen any mention of this before.

britchie,
LeTourneau engine is the url for info to your question. I seen the same engine about 3 years ago. upkpfan

EMD100469 Wrote:
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> One of a kind, still hanging out in Wichita

From Steve Edwards:

Copied from

http://www.depotnews.com/RoadNews/0207RNWS.htm

Letourneau Power

On June 29th, Watco at Wichita, KS received a special engine for the Kansas & Oklahoma to test for 60 days. The engine is the former Republic Locomotive Works RD20 now lettered as LETX
20. The engine still has the 16 cylinder Detroit Diesel that produces 2000 horsepower. It is still painted black but now has white lettering on the side of it for Letourneau Drive
Systems. Letourneau claims that the engine can produce more tractive effort than a GP38 that also produces 2000 HP. The locomotive will be used on the K&O lines for the next two months
for evaluation by Watco.


Tom Stolte

I seen that article before that this locomotive was going to be tested on K&O. It said in there for 60 days, I'm wondering if the K&O is going to purchase this unit or if they just extended the testing of it. It's been well over 60 days.

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Has that engine ever moved since I saw it about 3 years ago? upkpfan

EMD100469 Wrote:
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> These GP's are in sad shape. Looks like there
> being canabalized...I could be wrong though.

Both of those GP30's (SKOL 4417 and SKOL 2211 if I'm reading right) look (the numberboards have been plated over) to be in line for conversion to slugs or Remote Control units. Wichita has been doing slugs so far (mothers have been SKOL/SEK/WAMX GP35s), though.