Now this is cool! A RI EMC - AB6

[JCitron]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rock_Island_AB6_750.jpg

This was a custom locomotive built by GM Electro-Motive Corp. (EMD today), for the Rock Island. The RI wanted something that would integrate completely with the passenger cars and not stand out.

The units lasted until the 1970s in commuter service.

John

 

[magickmaker]

Got into an argument through emails about these once. I argued that though still a "B" unit, the engines were technically box cabs.

 

[JCitron]

Got into an argument through emails about these once. I argued that though still a "B" unit, the engines were technically box cabs.

I agree, Jeff. They are box cabs, which is what I thought of too when I saw the picture. In some ways they look a lot like the Australian diesels used today.

John

 

[haddock56]

That certainly is interesting. Would make a really cool kitbash project in HO scale.

 

[BobCass]

Thanks for sharing that John..Really Cool..

 

[wilh]

Now, if I remember right, I believe the RI initially used them as booster units on the Rocky Mountain Rocket and they were then, at Limon, Colorado, taken off the train to power the Colorado Springs Section of the RMR.