This
model SW-1 switcher is typical of the diesel locomotives leased by the
Pacific Electric from parent corporation Southern Pacific. Some were even
equipped with trolley poles to permit use on lines with wire-actuated
signal systems. The 1006 never carried trolley poles, but was used on the
PE from 1956 until about 1966.
In 1967 the 1006 was sold to Bethlehem Steel for use as a switcher at their Vernon, California plant. It was renumbered 15 and worked the plant until 1985, when it was sold for scrap to National Metals on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor. National Metals continued to use the locomotive as a switcher, finally retiring it in 1986 and selling it to the Museum. It was moved to Perris by freight train.
The
1006 is in the midst of a major restoration to return it to its
as-delivered appearance. The main hood and fuel tanks have been removed
entirely to gain access to internal components. The pictures below detail
the ongoing work. Donations in support of the project are also welcome.
Replacing
the steam locomotive. The
SW-1 dates back to the days when diesels had just begun to replace the
steam locomotive on America’s railroads. Switching service was one of
the areas where diesels found early acceptance. Switching service was
usually an around-the-clock job. Unlike the steam locomotive, diesels
could work almost continuously, needing only a short break for fuel and
water every three or four days. Diesels also permitted the elimination of
expensive steam locomotive service facilities like roundhouses,
turntables, ash pits and big fuel and water facilities. In crowded
inner-city terminals, diesels also allowed the railroads to comply with
anti-smoke ordinances.
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Additional Photos: |
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| 1939 view, possibly during delivery to SP. Fred Stindt photo, Pacific Coast Chapter R&LHS |
In service on the SP 1940, still in its original appearance. |
As Bethlehem Steel 15, 1968.Bryan Griebenow photo, Joe Strapac Collection. |
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| Bethlehem Steel 15 in Vernon, 1982. Note the added handrails. Bryan Griebenow photo, Joe Strapac Collection. |
At OERM prior to the start of restoration work. |
With air and fuel tanks removed. Note the large gash on the side of the cab. |
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| Eric and Bennett Levin donated a set of spare trucks and other very useful parts. December 2004 |
The crew working on one of the truck frames. December 2004 |
The doors are removed from the hood, October 2005 |
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A crane is used to remove the hood from the main frame, October 2005 |
Work starts in earnest on the hood, late 2005. |
Several different layers of SP paint could be seen on the hood |
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| One of the cab walls had been badly damaged while the locomotive was at the scrap yard. In March 2008 the skin was removed and the framing straightened / replaced as required. | ||
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New framing in place, March 2008 |
Welding the new steel cab wall, March 2008. | Repaired cab wall, June 08 |
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| Prepping the other side of the cab, July 08 | In primer, July 08 | New handrails |
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Without its hood, you can see just how small (relatively) the 600 h.p. prime mover is. |
Refurbished wood trim, ready to be reinstalled in the cab. |
Refurbished brake stand, ready to go back in the cab. |
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| Carl Pickus demonstrates progress on the new cut levers, October 08 | November 2008 | New custom-made corners for the cab windows October 08 |
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| Cab floor with much of the original deteriorated wood removed. December 08 | New wood being milled for the cab floor. December 08 | Progress as of 12-7-08 |
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| The saga of the stepwell, scene 1, before work began. Lots of damaged metal and poling pocket filled in | Employing a long lever arm to straighten the bent front frame 10/4/08 | More straightening 3/14/09 |
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| Getting the new skirting piece positioned properly 3-28-09 | The skirts were replaced at all four corners of the locomotive | Progress on the stepwells 4/4/09. Note that the poling pocket has returned. |
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| The many doors on the locomotive's hood are all being rebuilt. Work includes refurbishment of the frame, hinges, latches, handles and the doors themselves. April 2009 | ||
Links:
Southern Pacific Historical & Technical Society
Page updated 5/7/09
