.
An Alco FA-2 moves freight through a tunnel on a now abandoned West Central line circa 1955. The West Central
experienced trouble with the Alco FAs when first added to the roster in 1947, but strict maintenance and better
lubricating oils eliminated the problem. This allowed the West Central to use the 244 powered Alcos until the prime
movers were replaced by the 251 1800 hp engines in the 1960s. They are presently in storage and operated during
times of power shortages. These Model Power locomotives were painted by club member Dennis Hamilton.
In the 1960s, the West Central needed more locomotive power. They purchased quite a number of Alco Century series
units. Loco #750 in this picture is a 2500 hp Century 425. These did very well for the West Central and can still be
seen on main and branch line service. This photo was taken in September 1967 on #750's first revenue trip. At that time,
many thought that 2500 hp would be the limit for a four axle diesel, and some railroads bought them with high adhesion
trucks to keep that much horsepower under control. This Atlas model was painted by Club member Dennis Hamilton.
An Alco Century 420 (West Central #701) emerges from the tunnel with an RS-11 in trail sometime in the 80s. These 2000hp
units worked out very well for the West Central and are still used in branch line work, although some parts are getting harder
to find. Like most Alcos, this one has a habit of smoking heavily. Nobody would want to be in the tunnel after several of these
units went through! This model by MRC (Lima of Italy) was painted by Dennis Hamilton.
One
of the West Central's RS-2s
switches
reefers for icing in the Midland Meats area sometime in the early
50s.
The RS
series didn't get the gold striping separating the red and black
like the FAs and later Century diesels, but still made for a
striking appearance. This model by AHM was painted and modified
by Dennis
Hamilton.
Another photo of the Union Ice
Company. All reefers passing through Woodland
Yard that needed icing had to be
backed in here.
This track also serves
Midland Meats' stockyard making it a very busy area.