I will second that...Thanks for the updates about the current status of the SW1001s.It is hard to believe that they are just two months short of 40 years since they were built by EMD.

In case anyone is unaware the SW1001s are the only diesel locomotives that are cleared for use on the elevated structure and the close confines of the tunnel W of Nostrand Avenue into AtlanticTerminal on the Atlantic Branch. Without the SW1001s what would have been used to clear outthe derailed M7s in the aftermath of the recent mishap at Atlantic Terminal?

The SW1001s are important to the LIRR and NYA. Any chance of the four stored units beingreturned to service?

MACTRAXX

EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS

DogBert wrote:Unless LIRR gets some replacements that can fit in the Atlantic ave tunnels (and maybe ESA?), it would be smart of them to rebuild and/or keep some of these running.

The LIRR is in the development stage of a procurement for two new protect locomotives. These engines will have a clearance envelope compatible with the ESA tunnels (the E10s do not meet this size constraint). These new locomotives will be designated as 3G-20.

Interesting information about the LIRR seeking to design and purchase two new custom designed protect locomotives for ESA service. I knew about the ESA tunnels being limited to MU cars and did not realize that the SW1001s would not clear into the ESA tunnels therefore the need here...

I also recall reading recently someplace that end cab switchers are becoming an extinct speciesand that railroads find using mid size locomotives in switching duty is more economical...Many end cab switchers are older models that are just right for their service applications...

That explains to some extent the long lifespans that some small end cab switchers have. This new 3G-20 design may be something that railroads could look into but more then likely theywill have limited "niche" appeal such as the ESA necessity...

MACTRAXX

EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS

"That sapling that once grew just south of Wassaic may be long gone, and the Harlem Line’s appearance may have changed over the years, but for decades to come, I can count on it continuing to provide me with funny recollections"

mirrodie: Good video of the move from Atlantic Terminal to the Hillside Facility of the damaged M7pair involved in the AT mishap...There were two videos posted of the move and interestingly bothdo not show the front end of car #7553 - where any significant damage may have been.

Was there any noticeable damage as well to the front truck which made physical contact withthe bumper block? This is not discernible in either posted videos...

Everyone:

After reading this topic I became more interested in the EMD SW1001 series. I found that this wasnot a rare but not common locomotive type - 230 were built between September 1968 and June of1986. The eight LIRR units date from March 1977 and as we know they are 40 years old this year.

They made the "hospital move" at night,to keep the local press from making more "sensational" coverage of the wrecked pair.As for an HO scale model,you will need to "chop" the cab down,lowering the cab roof,for starters.