Former Cleveland Union Terminal unit 5903 returns to service

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Notch 8
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Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 6:43 am

Former Cleveland Union Terminal unit 5903 returns to service

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalrail/35691265991
Originally built in 1954 with a s/n 19524 for the NYC/CUT (Cleveland Union Terminal) and wore the number 5903 and as a Conrail Unit it wore the number 7303 and eventually ended up on the HCRC (Hillsdale County Railroad) and wore 1603 when on their roster. Indiana Northeastern purchased the HCRC and 1603 was painted eventually into the NKP inspired paint scheme and served for several years before suffering a major engine failure placing 1603 into the deadline in Hillsdale Michigan for about 15 years and was even used as a parts donor before be evaluated and the decision was made to put IN 1603 back into service but not before putting over 2 years worth of labor into an old EMD GP9. The unit was disassembled basically to the frame with the prime mover being replaced rebuilt alternator, air compressor, cab rebuilt and brakes updated fuel tank was replaced to a greater fuel capacity and even a new plow for the front end trucks were rebuilt and all wheelsets replaced.. she was shopped ! 1603 now wears the number 5903 and is designated as a GP9H not sure but I believe the H is for Hudson and some say Hershman... I say Kudo's to everyone that was involved making this project such a huge success and it was interesting to see the phases 5903 went thru to be transformed into a remanufactured unadulterated 1st generation LaGrange built EMD Product.. complete with the High Hood !

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