Shortline Sammie Wrote:
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> As previously reported, OPR former GN SW-8 801 was
> involved in one of the large brush fires that are
> burning in the Molalla, OR area particularly the
> RSG sawmill which is one of OPR's customers.
>
> While the mill was not severely damaged and will
> resume operations next week one of their hemlock
> log decks was consumed by the fire as well as
> damage to the 801.
>
> Initial inspection of the 801 disclosed that the
> cab including the electronics was completely
> destroyed. The main generator, aux generator,
> prime mover (recently replaced) and air compressor
> escaped unscathed. Initial inspection of the
> friction bearing trucks did not reveal any
> external damage although we will need to inspect
> the friction bearings for heat damage to the
> babbit surfaces. Unfortunately a six-month old set
> of batteries was destroyed.
>
> This means the 801 will become either (a) a "B"
> unit (cow calf) (b) a slug or (c) a parts source
> to keep our other EMD switchers running.
>
> The GOOD news is that "former" OPR SW-8 803 which
> was traded in to Western Rail on the GMD1 1413 ten
> years ago is in their lease fleet, still in OPR
> paint and available for sale. As soon as the
> paperwork is complete and an interchange
> inspection made by BNSF it will be on its way back
> "home".
>
> Our utmost thanks and appreciation go out to
> Western Rail in understanding our plight and
> coming to our aid. Thank you gentlemen ... THANK
> YOU!!
>
> Dick Samuels

It probably wouldn't be too difficult to refurbish and rewire the cab, and whatever other wiring was damaged, maybe a little time consuming. Unless cost is an issue. Just shooting from the hip I would guess about 30-40k to put the unit back in service, electrical wise, having just redone a low voltage control system myself. That's not considering cosmetic and other cab components like glass and hardware, seats etc, but those parts are obtainable...