| Delaware & Hudson C424m 453 at Binghamton, New York, June 24, 1983, photographer unknown, Chuck Zeiler collection. The C424 model was designated as the DL640A by Alco, reflecting its derivation from the RS-27 (DL640). Built June 1963 as Erie-Lackawanna 2406 (c/n 84548), later Conrail 2480, it was originally powered by a Model 251B 16-cylinder prime mover producing 2400 hp for traction at 1025 rpm. The following is excerpted from the book, "A Centennial Remembrance", by Richard Steinbrenner: Under Conrail, the former E-L shops at Hornell, NY lay idle until mid-1978, when VIC Industries leased them with the intent to rebuild freight cars and locomotives. In the following year, General Electric leased the shops and began contract locomotive and car rebuilding activities. Coincidentally, Conrail's considerable fleet of Alco's was being retired, of which C420's and C424's were the most attractive models on the second-hand market. Hornell's initial rebuilds were comprised of four C424's and a C420 for loyal Alco customer Green Bay & Western. After rebuilding their main distinguishing characteristic was GE's replacement of the centrifugal air filters with panel carbody filters in a "washboard" pattern; otherwise the units were rebuilt in kind. The next group of rebuilds received far more extensive modification. In the late 1970's, a significant change in the D&H's motive power policy resulted in the purge of virtually all 6-axle motive power from its roster. The post-Conrail influx of additional 4-axle power was significant, but as the D&H's operations via trackage rights broadened, more power was needed. The D&H arranged a lease with Xtra Inc. for six C424's to be rebuilt by GE. The units were designated C424m's due to their extensive modifications. Foremost of these was the installation of 12-cylinder 2000 hp Model 251C prime movers and GT564 main generators. The cabs were upgraded to current AAR standards, and electric cab heaters were installed. The C424m's also received electrical, fuel, lubrication, air filtration, and exhaust systems designed by the D&H. As on the GB&W units, the centrifugal filters were replaced by the "washboard" filters. The original C424's were all of Alco's first production, with overhanging rear numberboards. These were modified by GE to eliminate the overhang. An additional three units were rebuilt to the same specifications, except for retaining the numberboard overhand and not installing the upgraded electrical system. These were owned by Genessee & Wyoming Inc., and leased to the D&H. This arrangement was due in part to ensuring availability of motive power for salt trains from the G&W mine at Retsof, NY, which the D&H gained through trackage rights. The C424m's continued on the D&H into the Guilford ownership. The first to leave the property were the G&W units, two of which found themselves on the Minnesota Commercial Railroad in the Twin Cities. The other units remained on Guilford for an extended period in and out of service. The Livonia Avon & Lakeville acquired four of these. of which three were made operational. Late in 1980 GE outshopped four additional C424m's built to similar specifications as the D&H units, for the Detroit & Mackinac. The D&M's acquisition of these units signaled the immediate retirement of its pioneer RS-2's. The C424m's continued to operate on the D&M's successor, the Lake States Railway. |