Re: Losing money on 1203

Jerry,
It is exciting to see such a unique locomotive returned to service, and you and the rest of the Sumpter crew are to be commended for undertaking such a project. When GLRR, Inc. purchased the #1303 and the #1403 from USG we got a complete set of maintenance and repair logs for both engines and some stuff on the #1203. From these records it is easy to see that USG had nothing but trouble with the #1203 the entire time they owned it. If it wasn't problems with the Westinghouse electrical system, it was the Cooper engine. They tried to MU the #1203 with the #1303 and #1403 with disastrous consequences. The electrical systems were NOT compatible and blue flashes and smoke were involved. It looks like USG only used it for switching around the plant at Plaster City before eventually setting it aside and then giving it away.
I once had Marty Knox offer to trade it for a #7 Hancock Inspirator, which we declined. By that time the #1203 had thrown a rod and the Huck had set it aside as well.
I wish you and the Loop well with #1203. If you are able to make it a successful and reliable machine, it will be the first time almost since it was new from Porter.
Phil