The shop forces of the Arizona Southern are ever on the lookout for any new Alco related technology. That being said, we've had our eyes on what Morrison-Knudsen and the D&H have been up to as of late. The Delaware & Hudson RR has had a number of of their aging RS-3's rebuilt with 2,000 horsepower 12 cylinder 251C prime movers; designated RS-3M's. The long hoods were raised six inches to accommodate the larger engine. The dynamic brakes were also relocated to a box behind the cab.
A railroad that AZSO has interchanged with, the Sun Belt System, has taken delivery of several of these M-K Rebuild RS-3M's, and we have arranged to obtain one of them for testing on our railroad. Basically, this rebuild is not unlike our 'in house' rebuilt RS-13R unit, but would not require obtaining a RS-11 long hood for the conversion, saving both time and expense to our budget.
We will have some follow up information as the testing proceeds, so stay tuned for future reports on this project.
That's all for now, write back if the mood strikes you, and most of all, Enjoy Your Trains!
Best Wishes,
John Huey
CEO Arizona Southern RR
