Robby Peartree Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> JBWX
>
> In the UTEP library, Special Collections
> Department, Southern Pacific Collection, there is
> a 1948 study of the anticipated locomotive needs
> for the next ten years of operation. I have not
> been able to see it yet but I understand it
> determined that steam locomotives would operate
> for the next 10 years. It did not see the Dawson
> Mine closure or other items which influenced
> locomotive usage. It would be interesting to
> compare that report to what happened.
>

CSRM also has a copy of this 181 page document. The company's plan is summed in the following under the heading "General Plan of Dieselization":


“Maximum economies will be obtained when complete dieselization of separate districts can be accomplished. In addition to operating savings this program would result in savings account elimination of roundhouses, facilities, tools, etc., now required for steam power but not needed for diesel power. These details are shown in Exhibit 7.

With the present number of diesels in service and in order it is not possible to completely dieselize any one district. Therefore, assignment of diesel electric locomotives purchased during the next few years should be made on an economy basis, - that is, locomotives should be assigned to districts where the greatest savings will be realized.

The areas between Gerber-Bakersfield, Roseville-Oakland, and San Francisco-Watsonville, and several branch lines, as well as the commute trains, should be the last to be dieselized.”

- Ken Middlebrook