my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

exTrain Master Brake Sled

SPMW 9100

1 unit built

© Bob Dengler - SPMW #9100 at Colton, CA. in 1974

another shot of SPMW #9100

One possible use for the TM's after 1975, was as Brake Sleds. #3027 had the carbody cut off, filled with concrete and sheet steel welded to the 'lobotomised' frame. Numbered SPMW #9100, this was used on the West Colton Hump yard coupled to another locomotive to simply supply another 12 sets of brake pads...
the experiment was not an outstanding success, but #9100 managed to hang around until 1984.
Three others #3025, #3033 and #3034 were set aside for conversion to Brake Sleds and work was actually started, but were scrapped due to the failed experiences with #9100.

see also: Fairbanks Morse H24-66

References:

• Southern Pacific Historic Diesels, Volume 1, Fairbanks-Morse Locomotives - Page 64 - by Joe Strapac.
• Southern Pacific Motive Power Annual 1974-76 - page 107 - by Don Jewell.
• Southern Pacific Motive Power Annual 1977-80 - page 84 - by Don Jewell.