R. T. POTEET wrote:
Curiously, however, this past weeks episode of Trains and Locomotives on RFDTV had a featured segment on Cass Scenic and there was some film of a C&O lettered BL2 hauling a photo-op freight on the Greenbrier line shot before the 1985 wipe-out by floodwaters. That was, to the best of my knowledge, the first time I have ever seen the BL2 in actual moving operation.
Just wanted to mildly correct you on this. It was painted for Western Maryland.
The BL2, nicknamed "Bluto" (for it's overweight and bulky appearence, like Bluto on Popeye the Sailor cartoons, and because of: BL, and BLuto) on my layout has to be my favorite diesel of all time.
I recently have done a research project on the diesels of the Cass Scenic Railroad. To me, they are more interiesting than the Shay's, Heisler, and Climax.
The BL2 was used as WM #82. Later, it was renumbered 7182. Late in it's life, it was paired with slug 138-T, and was used in the Hagerstown, MD yard.
After the Chessie System take over, it was renumbered 7172. It was donated by Chessie to Cass in 1983. In 1983-1985, it was used as power for the Greenbrier River excursions, with 'Big Shay" 6, and other Shays.
It was known for all of it's rust.
After the flood ceased the use of the line, it was put into storage. After a ex-South Branch Valley Railroad MRS-1 proved to be too hard on track, the BL2 was used as a shop goat starting around 1989.
In 1992, it broke down, and was sent to the South Branch Valley railroad. In 1995, it was sold to them.
It was returned to operating condition in 95', as yard power.
It was then sold to the West Virginia Central Railrad for possible use. The engine was completly restored, and was placed into service in 2000. It operates today.
Phil
