MRL 100256 wrecker

[flint creek mp23]

Last Saturday, MRL dispatched wrecker #100256 to Lothrop to assist in changing out a seized traction motor for a dummy axle on MRL 4308, which was on the gas local at the time the #3 TM seized. The wrecker was originally built as steam-powered in Oct. '45 for the NP, but was converted to diesel power in the 1960s. It is normally stationed near the Missoula carshop.

Brent

 

[Eastern Railfan]

I really dig this series Brent. Nice job getting shots of the crane in action.

 

[Paul@MWR]

Excellent series of photos. Did they put an idler back in where the TM was removed?

 

[flint creek mp23]

Excellent series of photos. Did they put an idler back in where the TM was removed?

Why, yes they did, Mr. Birkholz! How have you been lately? Long time no see. The first shot is the seized TM on a special flatcar equipped to move such material. The second shot shows the dummy axle in place for the 4308 to be lowered onto it.

Brent

 

[Midsouth fan]

You don't get to see equipment like this in action anymore....great shots Brent!

 

[RuckusRails]

How many SD70ACe's have you seen getting picked up by a wrecking derrick?! Very nice rare catch. Good to see a railroad making use of this equipment.

 

[Cliffs]

Remarkable series of photos. That MOW gear just earned its budget for the next several years.

 

[Abilene Ks Railfan]

Awesome shots!!

 

[mrmoose]

Holy crap!! Nice work Brent!!

 

[5thGenRR]

It is good to see your railroad uses them. We have one quite similar in Roseville CA. But I think it is rusted to the rails! We always call a contractor (Jim Dobas) to save the day.

 

[PEIR]

That is the first time I have ever seen pics of one of those old timers in action. I'm amazed that a loco can be picked up like that and not bend or twist the frame.

 

[flint creek mp23]

Here are some new shots of MRL 100256 from last Friday, Feb. 3 at the Missoula carshop. MRL recently sold their Jordan spreader, MRL 100001, to a shortline in Minn. To avoid the speed restrictions from moving it on its own wheels, they used the wrecker and a Lorain rubber-tired crane to load it onto a BNSF flat.

Brent

 

[flint creek mp23]

Here are a couple of detail shots from the wrecker cab. This is the former steam-powered NP 47 that was rebuilt by the NP with a diesel engine in the 1960s.

 

[SP&SFan]

Why??

Flintcreek,

Why did the MRL sell the Jordan spreader?? Not enough use to justify the cost of it being on the roster??


SP&SFan

 

[flint creek mp23]

Flintcreek,

Why did the MRL sell the Jordan spreader?? Not enough use to justify the cost of it being on the roster??


SP&SFan

It hadn't been used in a long time and someone offered to buy it. The MOW department doesn't see a need for it anymore with newer equipment on the roster.

 

[martin burwash]

Very cool photos, Brent!

Martin Burwash