Hi all, I was curious what diesel power may have been used on the Gary immediately after dieselization, say late 40s early 50s. I'm guessing the power was out of Joliet, but I'm unsure what would have been used. My first guesses are Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44 or H-12-44s, but I have no idea. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm also curious what power was used on the line in later years, as well. It was not a well-used branch and I suspect it was country enough that weight restrictions would have prevented 6 axle power from being used. There were a number of small bridges over creeks along the way. Thank you for taking the time to read. This was my great grandpa's road but the only photos are of him with steam power, none with a diesel in later years. I intend to model an engine-caboose set for something that would have roamed the line in the early 50s-mid 60s.
Are you talking about the CM&G, the Milw's Joliet branch from Delmar IN to Joliet ? If so, I grew up in Manhattan with the branch practically in my backyard. My memories only go back to the mid 60's or so and the only power I ever recall seeing on the line was GP-9's. At one time the Milw had trackage rights on the J between Joliet and Aurora, so the line was actually a through route from Kirkland IL on the Milw D & I main south to Indiana on the Terre Haute line. Joliet was a crew change point at the time, but this arrangement ended shortly after WW2. Sorry I can't answer your question about earlier diesels. I'm curious about them too. I believe the line may have still been steam into the early 50's. I happen to be in the preliminary stages of designing a model railroad based on the line, with emphasis on Manhattan in the mid 70's.
The only power I have ever seen in a published photograph was GP9. Their first such units were acquired in 1954, but I've no data as to where they were first assigned. I would not be surprised to learn the progression might have been last of steam to GP9.
