A little more info on #50. The CRRM got 50 from Bob Shank Jr. in 1985 I helped unload it when it arrived from Durango. It was in rough shape. The 2,500+lb. clamshell transmission (Transaxle type?) was out of the the 50 and set on the front of the flat bed trailer. Windows were all broken out and it had no floor boards. It sat without any plans, or money, to restore it. Asked Bob Richardson if we had any money in the till to at least put windows back in it. Did that and it looked a little more presentable. A visitor who was with Mueller Machine in St. Louis saw the disassembled transmission on a pallet and said they would be glad to rebuild it for us. Two years later we sent it to them and they rebuilt it. The local Caterpillar dealer ( Wagner Co.) then proposed they rebuild the engine for us as a training excercise for their employees. They did but, charged us $10,000 for parts. (still cheaper than the $50,000 it would have cost if they charged us full price.) This was a 1937 era motor I think it was either a 15000 0r 16000 Cat. Same motor that's in the No.5 in Chama. Transmission was returned with a free rebuild, Caterpillar installed the engine. Jack Campbell and others put it back together, installed the brute transmission , built a new instrument panel and fabricated an entirely new brake stand. New floorboards, drive shaft cover and painted it inside and out. (Andy Dahm did the painting earlier) This diesel is a brute, it starts from a gas pony motor and takes two guys to start it. Heavy axle loading. Before rebuilding 491 there were thoughts of Double heading Thomas with No.4 and 50. That would have been interesting.
Awhile back someone posted we were not restoring equipment this was one of the many many pieces that were brought back to life. I stand corrected it has a D17000 diesel engine. I'm lost if it doesn't burn coal. We also pressed new tires on the wheels. Probably more information than you need.
Bill Gould
Edited 16 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/2015 11:25PM by HighCommander.
