Every weekday on my way to Brooklyn, I pass by a yard area city side of the Jamaica station at which I see, some newish diesels, some ancient grafittied passenger cars, one old Plymouth looking yard switcher and two older diesels numbered 102 and 104, somewhat rusted and dilapidated. I worked late last night and while waiting for a connection at Jamaica, I looked up and saw sitting on track 9, parallel to the station, 102 and 104 coupled and ready to go. I did notice that the fronts of each were coupled, which sort of surprised me. The treat was twofold- First, that I was able to see these units closer up than I had before and while still waiting, I heard a rumble sort of like someone gunning an engine without a muffler and the pair left the station area pdq. I was under the impression these units were yard decorations since I had not seen them moved or moving in 6 years of using the LIRR.
Perhaps they were called into service, due to the RR being somewhat power short? I wonder if there's a Long Island RR fan web site? Where we could see what these units are, and look like? Boxcab E50
What you saw are the HAROLD protect engines: http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=104847 This picture was taken more then ten years ago before the LIRR put this "Dashing" pair into Protect service. Not sure what they we're doing waaaaaaay out on the east end of the island in speonk, maybe handling frieght? There main vice is pulling broken down MU's (Mutiple unit, like the new M-7's) out of the tunnel. They're different then any other LIRR power because there painted in the Mid-60's "Dashing commumter" paint scheme, there basicly the LIRR's "Heritage" units. there specially modified SW-1001's that have the control stands from MU units inside their cabs, you might have just caught them after they dug a MU out of the tunnel! I dont know if they see service other then protect, Aside from the photo I linked above, every time I've seen them is coupled front to front waiting for something to break down. And there is a tremendous LIRR fan site: www.trainsarefun.com
Heres more pictures of the two: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=44602 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=44603 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=44601
Aparently it happened with regualrity with the older M-1 MU units, The M-1's up until this year we're units in service since the 70's I beleive. Dont know if its a problem with the new M-7's.
