Those L-95 Challengers were not liked by the D&RGW. They were actually intending to get Freight diesels, but they couldn't get them, so they went to get some more challengers similar to those built by Baldwin. But the War Production Board said "No!", so they went for those that were similar to the Union Pacific. They didn't like it and as soon as WWII was over, They decided to get rid of the L-95 Challengers and sent them to the Clinchfield. This later became the Clinchfield 672.
Thanks for the info! The L-97's were light-footed compared to the monster Baldwin 3700-class engines (which were in the same league as NP's monsters), and the D&RGW never accepted delivery, rather leasing them during the war. After hostilities ended, they went back to the war board, and waited for buyers. How long did they last on the Clinchfield?
From the book I'm reading "When Steam Ran The Clinchfield" by James Goforth, They came to the Clinchfield from the D&RGW in July, 1947. (and were retired on August 10-August 27, 1953) Five months before Clinchfield got the E-2 Challengers in Dec., 1947 and Jan., 1948 and. Of Course I got the Carolina-Clinchfield NRHS Chapter Magazines called "The Jitterbug" That says the same thing. BTW. The D&RGW and NP challengers do look alike, except they came from different builders and the 3700's were equipped with Elesco feedwater heaters. Prototype photo of 3708 and 3802
I came up with a Forum on the Clinchfield E Class Challengers (a three part Series) I'm working on the E-2 Class Challlengers. I'm Coming on the E-3 Class Challengers VERY Soon. As soon I can get some information.
