RE: (erielack) Food For Thought >> GP 35 demotion?

["Paul R. Tupaczewski" <paultup_@_optonline.net>]

Tim Costello asked:

> Can you expand upon your point that the GP35s were demoted?
> 
> In my experience, mid-70's, east of Binghamton, the GP35s were seen 
> frequently mixed with their 6 axle EMD bretheren on through 
> trains to and 
> from Croxton.  U25Bs were also "common".  Seeing Alco 
> Centuries was less 
> common.  (Except for pairs of 424s on the auto rack turns to 
> Tobyhanna.)

GP35s were still used in road service, yes, but there was a trend in
using them in local service starting in the early 70s (circa 1972 or
so), due to the failure/retirement of RS3s and relocation of GP7s.
Obviously, a good EMD product they were, and so they were least likely
to be seen in local service, but many were in local service at the end
of the EL's life.

 
> I've held a suspicion that the Centuries were held in 
> regional service during 
> this time, but haven't been able to confirm that theory thus far.

It seems that this is the case - most of the C424s were based out of
Scranton (a token few worked around Youngstown), while the C425s stayed
on west end freight.

 
> If anyone has info on specific service for the second generation road 
> switchers after arrival of all the big EMD and GE six axle 
> power, I'd be 
> interested in your observations.

More on this when I have the time... Gotta run! :)

	- P

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