As a followup to previous posts regarding the "end of the line" for the remaining SW-1500's, todays auction proved interesting.

Auctioned off were 37 locomotives; 35 SW-1500's, one SD40-T2 and a slug. The auctioneer was sure to note that the UP would provide a free move one way for any of the units; he also made it clear that the units did not have alignment control draft gear which would have to be modified before they could move.

Weather was marginal...after the first half hour it started to rain and the sale was moved into the tent.

The numbers were extremely interesting indicating a high regard for these tough little units. Aggregate amount bid for the 35 SW-1500's was $5,036,770; or an average of $146,886 per unit.

High bid for a 1500 was the UPY 1232 for a whopping price of $193,000. (wonder what it cost new?!); the "dog" of the bunch, UPY 1182 went for $90 grand. The SD40-T2 UP 8702 brought $109,000; the SL1 slug a hefty $77,500.

A few highlights from the show are as follows:

UPY 1166; one of the last units on the OC Switcher; $157,000
UPY 1117; also of recent OC switcher fame; $149,000

UPY 1226; former Western Pacific 1501; $187,500 (second highest price paid)
UPY 1091; former Western Pacific 1503; $145,000

SP 2534; another doggie in the kennel still in SP gray/scarlet; $95,000.

The bottom line is that there are very few of the 1500's serving the UP or its subsidiaries; the upside is that UP has a little under five and a quarter million bucks to spend on some gensets!

Dick Samuels