Greetings. As many of you know, I have lived in Alabama for the last several years, and work in Huntsville. Yesterday, I was quite surprised to see San Luis & Rio Grande #8527 sitting at the terminus of the Madison County Railroad, which is a local shortline operation. I got off the highway and came back to take the attached photograph and went to the office to inquire as to why this engine was there. I was told by a woman in the office that this unit had been purchased out of St Louis and delivered last Monday morning to be added to the Huntsville roster. There was another similar unit as well, which was also numbered in the 8500 series but was not painted in SL&RG livery. The other unit is barely visible ahead of #8527.
What is the story behind this? I haven't been able to find anyone who can tell me why this (these) unit was sold, what's going on in Alamosa?
Regardless, I'm glad to be able to see it in Huntsville, and I hope they don't repaint it.
Mike
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/2016 04:06PM by Mike Trent.