Quote:

The Train Sheet, Issue 25, May/June 1987
...
Our Society has purchased
a former L&N Alco FA from the
Long Island Railroad for a very
reasonable price. Details regarding these
newest additions to our
collection will be printed in the
next Train Sheet.
...

Quote:

The Train Sheet, Issue 26, July/Aug 1987
...

When the Western Pacific and
BN started pooling power between
Stockton and the Pacific Northwest
a number of former Spokane, Portland
and Seattle FA's found their
way over the high line and through
the Canyon. Several of the FA's
purchased by Long Island are former
SP&S units. They are still in
service. although retirement is not
too far away. Since the FA's are
so rare and there would be no
guarantee that we could obtain a former
spas unit when they are retired it
was decided to place a low bid on
the first four--just in case. All
four were bid on. with the
intention of purchasing only one. We
were high bid on three of the
four and were awarDed #604 at a
cost of $2480.

The unit was shipped from Long
Island to East St. Louis, Ill. on
Conrail without a charge. It was
then transferred to UP for movement
to Portola, again at no charge.
It arrived on July 5th. The
transportation costs, if charged to us,
would have been many times the
cost of the unit. It is indeed
fortunate both Conrail and UP are
willing to help in the preservation
of railroad equipment. Even though
the unit was moved through some
high vandalism areas no damage
occurred enroute.

Our Alco FA has the original
diesel prime mover appearing to be
in usable condition, but the generator
has been changed, the traction
motors removed, and some electrical
equipment is missing. It would
be possible to restore the unit to
operation, but it would be an expensive,
time consuming job. Incidentally our Alco
RS-3's possess identical mechanical
and electrical components.

It has not been decided how to
paint the exterior of the unit.
SP&S units in tan and dark green
operated over the WP which would
look nice. Another good paint
scheme would be Great Northern's
empire builder orange and green.
UP also operated FA's however
none ventured onto the WP. It
might look great in Armor yellow
with the blue wings ... The
604 will remain in its blue and
white Long Island paint for awhile.
At least we have an FA!