#DS-50 MONON's first diesel, wrecked on ITM move

[Rick Berg]

I am sad to say it looks bad for DS 50 that had its cab demolished on the ITM move to its new home by hitting a bridge.

Here are some links in forums talking about it:

https://www.trainsim.com/vbts/showthread.php?330205-I-am-SICK-Monon-DS-50-decapitated-in-highway-accident

http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42824

I cannot find any articles on this, can some one post something if you find it.

[Vern Sargent]

This on Trainorders.com last night.

[Rick Berg]

[Rick Berg]

Good News
From the THL 38-1
Is that parts for a SW1 locomotive are still available in the used equipment market, and there are companies in existence that can do that type of repairs.
DS-50 is stored in Logansport, Indiana and EEL River RR Barn in Logansport awaiting final decisions about the damage, restorations, and insurance coverage.
Seems to be there maybe a good news story to be heard from in the future.................

[Eric Reinert]

Any further news on the status of repairs to DS-50?

[Les Beckman]

DS-50 was moved to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum on April 17, 2021.  Repairs to the SW1 will be undertaken by the museum with the intention of eventually putting it back into service.  Lots to do, but it WILL get done!


Les

[Les Beckman]

Received word today that the replacement cab for DS-50 arrived at the museum today and HVRM member Mark Knebel used our Purdue University crane to unload it from the semi.  Cab came from WANX #W-100 (ex-Chicago & North Western SW-1 #1215) which, like Monon DS-50, was also originally built by EMD in 1942.  In addition to the cab, also received from the W-100, its horn, headlight, front upper hood, upper hood doors, stack assembly, various hand rails and other miscellaneous parts.  The restoration can now begin.

Hoosier Valley is looking for volunteers to help with the restoration of this historic Monon diesel. 

Les
   

[George Lortz]

Les,

All good news.  When she's back in service, HVRM needs to brake a bottle of champagne over the front coupler for a re[not allowed]ening.

What kind of skills should volunteer workers have?

George L.

[Les Beckman]

George -

We will find a suitable job for anyone who volunteers.  In addition to the DS-50, we are also restoring Monon transfer caboose # 81551.

Les

[Les Beckman]

In case some haven't seen photos, here is one showing the DS-50 in the Shop building at Hoosier Valley along with a couple of shots of the replacement cab.

Les