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| Title: |
MON BL2 #30 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
One of my favorite "odd duck" engines is this EMD BL2 unit built for the Monon in 1947 caught working a freight consist at College Avenue in Indianapolis. The BL in the model name stood for "Branch Line", indicating that EMD felt the locomotive was best suited for light traffic and frequent switching chores. The car body design makes it unique similar to the uniqueness of the Edsel in the car line. This was a transitional style fromt the E & F unit car body to the multi-directional GP style and should not be overlooked in the evolution of modern locomotive designs. The date in 1960 is approximate. Jay Williams photo credit on the back. |
| Photo Date: |
6/1/1960 Upload Date: 2/1/2018 4:31:28 AM |
| Location: |
Indianapolis, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster |
| Locomotives: |
MON 30(BL2) |
| Views: |
999 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
MON BL2 #30 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
BL2 #30 appears to be waiting for a clear signal on this day before moving its string of freight. According to photographer(?) Jay William, the location is listed on the back as Hammond with a question mark. This may be near downtown Hammond where Erie and Monon had adjacent tracks. The business "Gotto Mathias Co" in the background closed in 1970 but not sure the lcoation. Eric Reinert (see comment below) helped out by correctly identifying the location as Michigan City. Thanks Eric! |
| Photo Date: |
6/1/1965 Upload Date: 2/1/2018 4:31:34 AM |
| Location: |
Michigan City, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster |
| Locomotives: |
MON 30(BL2) |
| Views: |
789 Comments: 2 |
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| Title: |
MON EMD BL2 #30 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
Here is one of my favorite rr models, a BL2 but a model most enthusiasts call the "Edsel of railroading". Built by EMD in April of 1948, it was advertised as a branch line switcher (hence the "BL" in its model) with a unit carbody. The body proved to be more difficult to service than other styles. According to Hilton's "Monon Route" book, this unit along with sisters #35 & 37 were sold to the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in 1969. However, no record appears in the PRSL roster of their working the line. May have been an immediate trade-in. No photographer or accurate date was listed for the photo. |
| Photo Date: |
3/1/1969 Upload Date: 1/23/2021 5:41:17 AM |
| Location: |
Lafayette, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
MON 30(BL2) |
| Views: |
390 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
MON EMD BL2 #30 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
Here is another view of the Monon BL2 #30 sitting in what appears a storage/scrap line at Lafayette. According to the Hilton book, "Monon Route", these were sold to Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in 1969 but no record appears on the PRSL roster of their working the line. No photographer listed for the photo but the stamped margin date may be fairly accurate. |
| Photo Date: |
3/1/1969 Upload Date: 1/23/2021 5:41:25 AM |
| Location: |
Lafayette, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
MON 30(BL2) |
| Views: |
348 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
MON BL2 #32 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
Late fall scenc wtih Monon BL2 heading up a freight somewhere between Chicago and Hammond, IN. Photo was taken by an unidentified Chicago rail fan. DAte is approximate. |
| Photo Date: |
10/1/1961 Upload Date: 1/7/2017 6:33:58 PM |
| Location: |
Unknown, IL |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Action |
| Locomotives: |
MON 32(BL2) |
| Views: |
987 Comments: 5 |
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| Title: |
MON BL2 #32 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
Wintery scene somewhere near Chicago of the 1948 built Monon BL2 #32. Unknown Chicago rail fan took this photo. Does anyone recognize the locaiton? |
| Photo Date: |
12/7/1961 Upload Date: 1/7/2017 6:33:55 PM |
| Location: |
Unknown, IL |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,InCab,Yard,Action |
| Locomotives: |
MON 32(BL2) |
| Views: |
625 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
MON BL2 #32 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
At least this EMD BL2 built for the Monon in 1948 is preserved at the Kentucky Rwy Museum in New Haven, KY. Shame it isn't in Indiana at any one of the Indiana railroad museums since it spent its life wodking here. Slide photographer was Everett N. Young. |
| Photo Date: |
10/28/1973 Upload Date: 2/1/2018 4:31:36 AM |
| Location: |
New Haven, KY |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster |
| Locomotives: |
MON 32(BL2) MON 32(BL2) |
| Views: |
985 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
MON EMD BL2 #35 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
This is another of my favorite models, EMD's BL2 ("Branch Line" service, carbody styling). Although a strong loco, it had several ilimitations, ease of maintenance being one. Hilton's book, "Monon Route", lists this loco and BL2 sisters #30 & 37 being sold to Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in 1969. No record of a BL2 appears on the PRSL roster however. May have been for trade in purposes or parts. No photographer was listed. |
| Photo Date: |
3/1/1969 Upload Date: 1/23/2021 5:41:32 AM |
| Location: |
Lafayette, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
MON 35(BL2) |
| Views: |
401 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
MON BL2 #37 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
Working the South Hammond Yard on this day was MON BL2 #37. The BL2's were built with lighter carbodies for use on "branch lines" (hence the "BL"). The concept was good but there were serious issues such as no side walkways for brakemen or yardmen to easily walk from the front to the rear of the locomotive. This is a Dennis Schmidt photo. |
| Photo Date: |
6/3/1967 Upload Date: 4/26/2023 11:41:58 AM |
| Location: |
Hammond, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard,Passenger,Track |
| Locomotives: |
MON 37(BL2) |
| Views: |
339 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
MON BL2 #37 - Monon RR |
| Description: |
Caught idle in a stored string of locos at an unidentified location, this EMD BL2 unit was built in May of 1949 for the Monon RR. This was definitely a transitional body style for EMD as they moved from the E & F car bodies to the multi-directional GP styling. According to the Monon Historical Society webpage, it was sold for scrap in 1969 to P-RSL. |
| Photo Date: |
6/1/1969 Upload Date: 2/1/2018 4:31:41 AM |
| Location: |
Unknown, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster |
| Locomotives: |
MON 37(BL2) MON 46(H-15-44) |
| Views: |
1207 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
JSE BL2 #52 - Janesville & Southeastern |
| Description: |
Former Bangor & Aroostook BL2 #552 is showing off a new colors scheme. No exact day in August of 1991 or the photogapher was given for this color slide. |
| Photo Date: |
8/1/1991 Upload Date: 2/14/2024 5:52:44 PM |
| Location: |
Janesville, WI |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
JSE 52(BL2) |
| Views: |
248 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
JSE BL2 #52 - Janesville & Southeastern |
| Description: |
Nice 3/4 view of the intriguing BL2 shape. Much like a Ford Edsel, the EMD BL2 was not well received by railroads. Former Bangor & Aroostook #552 is still kicking under this new paint. No exact day in August of 1991 or the photogapher was given for this color slide. |
| Photo Date: |
8/1/1991 Upload Date: 2/14/2024 5:52:56 PM |
| Location: |
Janesville, WI |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
JSE 52(BL2) |
| Views: |
233 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
JSE BL2 #52 - Janesville & Southeastern |
| Description: |
Here is another 3/4 view of the former Bango & Aroostook #552 wearing the new JSE colors. No exact day in August of 1991 or the photogapher was given for this color slide. |
| Photo Date: |
8/1/1991 Upload Date: 2/14/2024 5:53:04 PM |
| Location: |
Janesville, WI |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
JSE 52(BL2) |
| Views: |
242 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
JSE BL2 #52 - Janesville & Southeastern |
| Description: |
Face on view of the former Bangor & Aroostook BL2 #552 in its new livery colors of Jansesville & Southeastern. No exact day in August of 1991 or the photogapher was given for this color slide. |
| Photo Date: |
8/1/1991 Upload Date: 2/14/2024 5:53:09 PM |
| Location: |
Janesville, WI |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
JSE 52(BL2) |
| Views: |
191 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
JSE BL2 #52 - Janseville & Southeastern |
| Description: |
Nice side view of the former Bangor and Aroostook EMD BL2 #552 now wearing the JSE #52 number and colors. No exact day in August of 1991 or the photogapher was given for this color slide. |
| Photo Date: |
8/1/1991 Upload Date: 2/14/2024 5:53:21 PM |
| Location: |
Janesville, WI |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
JSE 52(BL2) |
| Views: |
238 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BAR BL2 #54 - Bangor & Aroostook |
| Description: |
EMD built this BL2 model for the Bangor & Aroostook in April of 1949 although originally numbered 554 and wearing an all blue paint scheme. The repaint around 1980 is a sharper image. This car body styling is one of my minor favorite models - especially the Monon version. Unknown photographer took this as it sat at the North Maine Junction near Hermon, ME. |
| Photo Date: |
5/21/1981 Upload Date: 9/16/2016 6:23:30 AM |
| Location: |
Hermon, ME |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
BAR 54(BL2) |
| Views: |
1243 Comments: 2 |
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| Title: |
RPCX BL2 #56 - nee BAR #556 |
| Description: |
Originally built as Bangor & Aroostook BL2 #556 but wearing the Saratoga & North Creek colors, somehow it was eventually purchased by a private owner and brought to the Hoosier Valley RR Museum. It looks spectacular in near mint condition and was started up not long ago. I have a particular fondness for the BL2's. They are the ugly EMD duckling but now looks strangely beautiful. |
| Photo Date: |
5/28/2023 Upload Date: 6/13/2023 6:46:04 AM |
| Location: |
North Judson, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
RPCX 56(BL2) |
| Views: |
301 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
RPCX BL2 #56 - nee BAR #556 |
| Description: |
Here is a backside view of the former BAR #556 now under private ownership but stored at the Hoosier Valley RR Museum. |
| Photo Date: |
5/28/2023 Upload Date: 6/13/2023 6:46:07 AM |
| Location: |
North Judson, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
RPCX 56(BL2) |
| Views: |
282 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
RPCX BL2 #56 - nee BAR #556 |
| Description: |
Here is a "nose and side" view of the former BAR #556 now in private ownership but stored at the Hoosier Valley RR Museum. |
| Photo Date: |
5/28/2023 Upload Date: 6/13/2023 6:46:10 AM |
| Location: |
North Judson, IN |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
RPCX 56(BL2) |
| Views: |
305 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
WM BL2 #81 - Western Maryland |
| Description: |
The EMD BL2's are one of my favorite models - can't explain why but it is. Rail fan Michael A. Tedesco caught this Western Maryland B:2 #81 at hagerstow, MD. Notes - EMD, 12/1948 ,serial #5921, 1500 hp, renumbered Chessie #7181 in 1976., Due to a locomotive numbering conflict with MDOT, the switcher received yet another number – No. 7171 – in 1981. The No. 7171 continued to work in the Hagerstown yard until 1982, when it was retired, repainted, and renumbered to match its original Western Maryland appearance. The following year, CSX donated the switcher to the B&O Railroad Museum. It resides at the B&O Museum aa a valued member on display. |
| Photo Date: |
9/17/1975 Upload Date: 2/7/2025 3:54:41 AM |
| Location: |
Hagerstown, MD |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster |
| Locomotives: |
WM 81(BL2) |
| Views: |
235 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
CEI BL2 #201 - Chicago & Eaqstern Illinois |
| Description: |
Although most think this EMD model as an odd-ball design (and it is to some extent), it's one of my favorties as an example of style meets practically - almost. History - EMD, 12/1948, nee-CEI 1601, Traded into EMD on 4/6/1963. J. R. Quinn photo |
| Photo Date: |
5/1/1949 Upload Date: 3/14/2025 7:14:46 AM |
| Location: |
Salem, IL |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Yard |
| Locomotives: |
CEI 201(BL2) |
| Views: |
110 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BAR BL2 #557 - Bangor & Aroostook |
| Description: |
The "odd-duck" BL2 unit looks sharp in its BAR paint scheme even with overcast skies and appears to be heading up a tourist train on this day. Originally built by EMD in April of 1949 as BAR BL2 #557, it was enumbered BAR 57, repainted back to the original paint scheme in 1980 and given the name "American Railfan". Currently the loco is on static sisplay indoors, at the Cole transportation Museum in Bangor, ME., minus traction motors. An unknown rail fan took these color slides of the BL2 unit. |
| Photo Date: |
6/1/1980 Upload Date: 1/22/2025 6:32:32 AM |
| Location: |
Northern Maine Junct, ME |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Action |
| Locomotives: |
BAR 557(BL2) |
| Views: |
191 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BAR BL2 #557 - Bangor & Aroostook |
| Description: |
The carbody BL2 is odd but one of my favorites - can't fully expain why. BAR #557 on this day is heading up a tourist train ride somewhere in Maine. An unidentified rail fan took the picture. |
| Photo Date: |
6/1/1980 Upload Date: 1/22/2025 6:32:34 AM |
| Location: |
Unknown, ME |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Action |
| Locomotives: |
BAR 557(BL2) |
| Views: |
176 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BAR BL2 #557 - Bangor & Aroostook |
| Description: |
Bangor & Aroostook BL2 #557 is pulling a toruist train somewhere near the Northern Maine Junction on this day. The BAR paint scheme was a sharp one! An unidentified rail fan took the color slide. |
| Photo Date: |
6/1/1980 Upload Date: 1/22/2025 6:32:35 AM |
| Location: |
Northern Maine Junct, ME |
| Author: |
Gary Everhart |
| Categories: |
Roster,Action |
| Locomotives: |
BAR 557(BL2) |
| Views: |
192 Comments: 0 |
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