I see the torpedo reserve air tanks on the roof. Was this a former Passenger modified GP9 or just relocated for larger fuel tanks?
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| Posted by SES on March 14, 2021 | |
This was one of a set of 10 non- dynamic GP9's equipped with torpedo air tanks and larger fuel tanks for passenger trains. They could be seen running from Chicago to Tacoma on the Hiawathas until service was cut back to twin cities in 1961. They remained on the Hiawathas until the end of passenger service in 1971. Some if not all sported the yellow and grey scheme for awhile. They were relegated to commuter service after the start of Amtrak. Judging from other photos I've seen of 801, she may have been assigned to hump yard duty at Bensenville for most of her days after 1971. Not sure of the original road numbers, but these torpedo GP9's were later numbered 200 - 209 when all the phase 2 GP9' s were renumbered in the 200 series. In 1974, these 10 were renumbered 800 - 809 to make room for the road numbers of the SD40-2's. Most of the early phase 2 GP9's were rebuilt into GP20's in 1973-74 with a chopped nose except these torpedo units that stayed in commuter service until their retirement.
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