975 "Lake Huron"    

ALCO  RS3M  - Retired

In  D&M heritage colors prior to painting. -N.N.

Model: RS3M (TE56-4A)

Builder: American Locomotive Co.

Built: 1954 / Rebuilt in 1974.

Horsepower: 1800

Ex: Boston and Maine #1517, nose chopped and 12-251C engine put in by Morrison Knudsen

Namesake: The "Lake Huron"

Notes: #975 rolled out of the LSRC Alpena Shops on January 12, 2005 sporting a fresh coat of LSRC Blue and White colors.  This is the third unit in the past month that LSRC has painted, and the first of the RS3M's painted on their roster.  The traditional blue and white scheme was used, however instead of the familiar "LSRC" in the blue box on the long hood in the stripes, the LSRC logo has been used instead.  This unit has been nicknamed "Lake Huron," and temporarily sported a "plum crazy" colored stack (an off purple color), which was then repainted to black.  It is reassuring to see the LSRC paint an RS3M.  These were rumored to be sold off the roster once traffic levels slow down after the arrival of the new M420W's last summer.  This repainting hopefully indicates that #975 and D&M Turtle scheme sister #974 will be on the roster for a while to come!

Prior to repaint / Notes: Currently in DM pullman green with gold and yellow stripes.  Over the summer of 2003 it recieved an overhaul and generator repalcement in Alpena.  Though it was to be painted in the LSRC Blue scheme, it has been kept in service as strong demand along the line has warranted its use.  Consequently, it remains in the D&M colors, with sandblasted patches recently touched up with D and M Pullman green.  Good to see it in these colors for a while longer!  However, with the recent purchase of new M420W, the old RS class units could likely be the first to be replaced in years to come if even more power is acquired.