my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

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

Texas and New Orleans
DRS-6-6-1500

28 units delivered

4 units to TNO

These units arrived in two orders of two.

The first two, #187 and 188 were built March 1949, and delivered with cast frames in standard Tiger Stripe paint. The hood ends were soon changed to solid aluminum.

The radiator lower air intake was moved upwards, and the train number indicators (boards) were also moved same as the SP DRS-6-6-1500's. Neither had dynamic brakes or MU controls. Over time, the hood end mounted overhung bell, was also moved up and back, still in front of the radiator, but clear of the walkway.

The second two, #189 and 190, were built in December 1949, and delivered with welded frames in Tiger Stripe paint and aluminum hood ends.

These units also did not have MU and dynamic brakes, or train number indicators (boards). The radiator air intake, was by this time moved to the upward position by the factory, and the bells were also moved as for the first two units.

Some (#187, 189 and 190) perhaps #188 as well, received small rotary beacons above the cab roof.

Despite receiving Black Widow paint, these units were classified as, and operated as switchers.

These were not renumbered in the 1965 systemwide renumbering, as they were to be retired 1965/66.

Avondale Yard once hosted these, and they were used for transfer drags across the Huey.P.Long Bridge into New Orleans.

References:

• Extra 2200 South, Issue 54, Oct, Nov, Dec 1975 - SP Roster Part I, TNO
• SP Motive Power Annual 1970 - Built by Baldwin article.
• SP Motive Power Review 1978-79 - Diesels of the TNO.
• SP Motive Power Review 1983-85 - SP Baldwin Diesels article.
• SP Dieselization by John Bonds Garmany.