USG Plaster City 2018/2019

Some photos of the United States Gypsum Plaster City Narrow Gauge Operation which currently holds the title of the last narrow gauge operation not used for a tourist purpose in the United States. The locomotives are Bombardier DL-535E locomotives that were built in 1982 as part of a four unit order (111-114) for the White Pass & Yukon. The mines suddenly closed around the same time these units were being completed and WPYR ceased all operations. USG originally purchased 112 and 113 in March of 1991 to replace their ailing set of GE 54 Tonners. 113 was totaled in an accident at the quarry in December 1992, so USG went back and purchased 111 as a replacement. The line runs 26.8 miles across the desert from the USG Plaster City Plant to the the Gypsum Quarry at Split Mountain. The typical consist includes 1 locomotive, 24 hoppers, and occasionally a water tank car on the rear.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2019 10:36AM by usg111.