Tor the better part of 20 years, former Canadian Pacific C424M No. 4212, from the Montreal shops, was among them.
No. 4212 is the only C424 currently owned by the Buffalo Southern. When it was purchased from the Quebec Gatineau railroad in 2000 it was one of three units bought for possible traffic increase.
Alco RS18 No. 1847 was the first to be put in service but, No. 4241 was sold in 2004 leaving the No. 4212 alone and in the dead line with an uncertain future.
“Over time we acquired parts for it from various sources,” says Pat Connors, Buffalo Southern’s chief mechanical officer.
As time permitted, work took place on No. 4212 and in summer 2018, it rolled under its own power for the first time since the railroad bought it. During the winter, more work took place to work out the minor issues the unit had including such things as cleaning, repairing, and parts painting. Everything, right down to the latches on the equipment doors were gone over and repaired.
During the last few weeks Buffalo Southern railroaders tested the locomotive on a charter excursion and a freight train.
“I still have some minor electrical issues but she is good to go,” Connors says.
For now, No. 4212 will keep its faded CP paint until it can enter the shop to receive a full paint treatment.
Sometimes I am amazed that Alco fans don’t put the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad on their must see list. Our 13 car Scenic train is currently running with RS 18 1822 and FPA 4 6771 on the south end of the train, re-engined No. 365 on the north end. Fifteen times a week this train tackles a 1.06% grade into Akron, with a perfect viewing location (Ohio and Erie Canal towpath trail) literally right next to the tracks. This is also a great place to watch NKP 765 work hard during the Steam in the Valley Excursions. A seat in the Zephyr dome car will provide plenty of time to watch the Alco smoke working hard on the southbound trip. C424 No. 4241 (mentioned above) is currently in the shop for prime mover work.
Great news, love those Alco’s!
If a C424 is “ancient” then I’m a relic.