Grafton & Upton RR Shop Visit

[Pomperaugrr]

I was invited to visit the Grafton & Upton RR shop last month, to see progress being made on a complete rewiring job on the Housatonic RR's GP-35 # 3604.  The wiring had been fried when the HRRC had attempted to MU it to a leased GMTX locomotive.  I am remiss in not writing about this excellent experience sooner, but I am wrapping up a complete kitchen renovation that has taken a lot of my free time. 

Randy (sd45elect2000) and his amazing crew in the Grafton & Upton RR shop are truly masters of their trade.  The shop is not huge, but the scope and amount of work this small and skilled team can carry out in relatively cramped quarters is astounding. They do everything from wheelset change outs to full blown engine rehabilitation here.  They are also currently changing out the wheels and traction motors on the HRRC's GP-7U #22.  I will let the photos tell the story, but I am greatly impressed by the hospitality, talent and professionalism I witnessed during my visit.  I never imagined that such huge projects could be done so efficiently this close to home, without a huge back shop like the Class 1's.  I was never so happy to be so wrong!

The HRRC GP-35 # 3604 getting completely re-wired:
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Engine work being done on the G&U GP-9R #1751

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[Pomperaugrr]

Here are a few more shots from the G&U shop visit.

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HRRC GP-7U #22 waiting for new wheels.  That work is currently in progress.

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[lock4244]

Very interesting pics, thanks for sharing... not something most have an opportunity to see. Curious about the 3604's fried wiring, was this some glitch with MU'ing to the leaser (incompatible, bad cable) or was it a fault with the 3604? Have heard more than a few times that the GP35 model is a difficult one to maintain as the electrical system is unbalanced (not my terminology), not adequate for the 2500HP rating of the unit.

[Pomperaugrr]

Very interesting pics, thanks for sharing... not something most have an opportunity to see. Curious about the 3604's fried wiring, was this some glitch with MU'ing to the leaser (incompatible, bad cable) or was it a fault with the 3604? Have heard more than a few times that the GP35 model is a difficult one to maintain as the electrical system is unbalanced (not my terminology), not adequate for the 2500HP rating of the unit.

I have to say that I honestly don't know the exact cause of the incident.

[sd45elect2000]

Very interesting pics, thanks for sharing... not something most have an opportunity to see. Curious about the 3604's fried wiring, was this some glitch with MU'ing to the leaser (incompatible, bad cable) or was it a fault with the 3604? Have heard more than a few times that the GP35 model is a difficult one to maintain as the electrical system is unbalanced (not my terminology), not adequate for the 2500HP rating of the unit.

The wire is from 1965 after all.

[Pomperaugrr]

The wire is from 1965 after all.

Excellent point Randy!