Spectacular Achievements of B&LE: A Journey Through Railroading
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Chapter 1: An Overview of B&LE's Legacy
Welcome to the final installment of our three-part series focusing on the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE). In this article, we will delve into the historical locomotives utilized by B&LE, examine the current fleet, discuss restoration efforts, and provide additional resources for those interested in further exploration.
Section 1.1: Historical Locomotives
B&LE's fleet has included various locomotive types throughout its history. Notably, they operated a number of 0–8–0 locomotives, primarily for switching and local freight services.
The company successfully integrated several models into its operations, including:
- SD7s (1952)
- SD9s (mid-1950s)
- SD18s (1962)
- SD28s (1967)
- SD38ACs (1971)
- SD38–2s (mid-1970s)
Section 1.2: Current Fleet Operations
As of October 2022, B&LE's operational locomotives include several CN EMD SD70M-2 units, which are primarily used for ore transport. The railroad also retains a few older units, such as the B&LE SD38AC 868 and SD38 862, for local freight hauls.
The first video, Southern Pacific - The Friendly Railroad, provides a visual exploration of the impressive freight capabilities and operations of railroads like B&LE.
Section 1.3: Restoration of Historic Locomotives
Among B&LE's significant restoration projects is the H-1 series locomotive, numbered 643. This steam locomotive stands out as one of the largest and most powerful non-articulated types in preservation. Currently, there are plans in motion to relocate it to the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Ohio for further restoration.
Section 1.4: Additional Resources
For those interested in the rich history of B&LE and its operations, various resources are available:
- Wikimedia Commons features a collection of media related to the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad.
- The Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) provides detailed documentation on B&LE facilities.
Chapter 2: A Look into Modern Railroading
The second video, How Cool is This, a Most Awesome Railroad, showcases the modern-day applications of railroading technology and practices, offering insights into the evolution of rail transportation.
Conclusion
This concludes our three-part series on the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. We hope you found the information engaging and informative. If you have any feedback or thoughts, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the fascinating world of railroads.