University of Minnesota's Alco S4
Our S4 at the U of M started life at a B+M S3 and is actually one of the very first rebuilds and upgrades, this was done by Alco after it was damaged on the B&H. It is ex-B&M 1274 - click here to see more on it.
Seen near Piek Hall on campus in Feb. 2002, you can see some of the dorms above the S4. For a railfan this would be the place to have a room as these tracks are also served by the occational MNNR train to the A Mill.
It can be found in Dinkeytown near University Ave. and 14th. switching the little coal plant operated by the U of M. Once or twice a week in the winter the MNNR sends a cut of almost two dozen NSPX coal cars for unloading. The little un-numbered S4, which is stored on top of the unloading pit which is covered by a shed, hauls 10-12 at a time thru the pit. This is not to limit the engine but simply beacuse that is how long the siding is, this S4 can quickly pull a cut of those loaded cars up the line and to the plant with ease.
And from April 21, 1990 we see not a lot has changed. Doug Buell shot it back then at the same place on campus. Below you can even see the old Boston and Maine logo.
Interested in being a part of the U of M Railroad Club? Click here!
Last Updated 15 Jan 02
