Micheal,
The 1203 wasn't purchased with the intent of selling it to CHS, the porter was purchased by SVRR in 2000 with the intention to use it here.
CHS contacted SVRR about purchasing the 1203 after the meltdown with GLRR, we agreed too sell it to CHS, and to overhaul it seperately.At that time the locomotive was still in Michigan,We had done a cursory inspection but due to the advanced state of decay, we were unable to gain access to much of the engine bay or the electrical cabinet.
It wasn't until the "autopsy" began at SVRR that the completely worn out nature of the porter came to light.
Michigan had not been kind to the locomotive, everything made of metal had been rusted or badly corroded, parts were missing, if the engine hadn't let go, the wiring or the damaged traction motors would have sidelined it soon anyway.
It really is nothing short of a miricle that the 1203 wasn't scrapped, I have never seen anything so completely worn out and I've been around machinery most of my life, It's nothing short of amazing that Scott and his crew that they have been able to put this thing back in operating condition..
We are excited to see her back in operation and with a little care the porter should provide years of reliable service at the loop.
Jerry