| Delaware & Hudson RS3u 503 at Mechanicville, New York on February 27, 1982, Kodachrome by Randy Kiser, Chuck Zeiler collection. This locomotive was built by Alco in September 1952 as D&H RS3 4107 (c/n 80307). Around September 1975, the D&H sent ten RS3's to Boise, Idaho to be remanufactured by Morrison-Knudsen. Eight units returned to the D&H, exchanging their Model 244 prime movers for Model 251C 12-cylinder diesels. The returning RS3u's (M-K designated them as model TE 56-4A) were numbered 501-508. However, 506 actually returned in Bicentennial paint as number 1976. All were rated at 2000 horsepower. The D&H RS3's were originally equipped with dynamic brakes which were located in the short hood. When the short hood was cut down, the dynamic brakes were relocated to the top of the long hood just behind the cab. In addition, to improve cooling and to make room for additional components, the long hood was raised six and one half inches. benefited from the rebuilding process, it turned out that they were a bit light on the rails and had a tendency to slip. The RS3u's lasted until 1988, when all were retired and scrapped, except for 506, which retained the Bicentennial paint and went to the Tioga Central. |