Great minds think alike. I was going to make a similar comment, as that is my initial theory: string-lining.
Found this switcher today at a local steel mill. I had to stand around for a while until it broke cover. I think it's a former Sand Springs Rwy. SW-900. It sounded pure EMD. CANX 1395 seen behind is a former CN SW-1200. The mill cycles through some interesting power, all rather derelict. I might be wrong, but I suspect they run 'em until they fail, then cut them up.
I am curious about the devices on both sides of the hood. Looks like each is an array of eight light bulbs or something. The engine at top, it's paint looks like that used by Savage Services, so perhaps that was it's origin.
That array of lights is an indicator array for remote control use. The blue one at the top is indeed ex-CN, a SW1200RS (with road mpdifications) built in 1960 and retired 1998 (likely rebuilt with 645 power assemblies), and transferred to CANAC leasing. I looked it up and I've seen photos of it in CSX Cayce yard in the same colors. It also has the remote control doodad. It appears that the CN cylindrical spark arrestors have been removed. That goat is over 60 years old.
This is what prompted my thought. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3308053 It is a Savage Services SW1200RSm, ex-Canadian National:
Here's a Sand Springs SW-900 in better days. They owned three, built in '56 and '57. There's a battered and faded logo on the cab side that I couldn't decipher. I was able to determine the locomotive's previous owner by looking through a bunch of random SW-900 photos on the Internet and once that was done, I was able to match the logo.
Sure is! Wednesday morning the first Charger is set to lead on the Empire Builder. The 'Day One' black scheme, plus a standard Charger and red nosed 50th anniversary #161.
CN 5261(SD40-2W) bringing 25 loaded grain cars across the Wapsipinicon River bridge in Central City, IA. Unit is one of two that were used for an LNG test-bed experiment for the CN. February 6, 2022 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was wondering why it looked like it had SD45 radiators! I looked it up and found a more detailed photo and saw the radiator modifications. Now that looks cool! And a great idea for a kitbash.
The twin-stacked building to the left in your photo can be seen to the lower left in my 07/02/2013 photo. My notes read that the Amtrak yard to the left that you photographed is former PRR and the Metra yard to the right is former CB&Q.
Sharp looking GMTX 2801 leads long-hood forward through Sinking Spring, PA, returning to home rails on February 3, 2022. The conductor, after closing up the switch on the NS Harrisburg Line, rides the rear car. Once the train has cleared the grade crossings and returned to home rails, it will pause to allow the conductor to return to the cab.
CN SD75I 5762 is leading CP 475 on the CP Marquette Sub. The motor has seen better days with the paint fading. February 9, 2022. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
