Locomotives

M&ET's first locomotive was actually a gas-powered passenger coach. Later, several steam locomotives gave way to the GE 70-tonners starting in 1947 with engine #600. Today, we operate nine of these locomotives which have proven a perfect match for our operations as their short wheelbases lend themselves to the many curves of our industry tracks.

While the GE-70 tonners have served us very well, our business has evolved making the job of the 70-tonners challenging.  Early in 2005, we commenced our search for locomotives that could better suit our current power needs.  In November of 2006 we purchased two SW-1500's to complement our existing fleet.

In October, 1997, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of our locomotives, engine #600. As M&ET's president noted, "The conversion from steam to diesel-electric power which occurred throughout the railroad industry beginning approximately 50-55 years ago was a momentous change. Diesel-electric power continues to be the dominant and preferred technology for locomotive power.

We don't think ourselves old-fashioned or behind the times because we are continuing to use locomotives, many of which are more than 50 years old. We take pride in our maintenance program and our ability to adapt new technologies, such as solid-state electronic controls, to our existing locomotives. We see no good reason why we can't keep them operating for another 50 years. However, we are likely to be faced with further technological changes if we are to accomplish this feat."

It's our in-house Shop that keeps the locomotives in near perfect condition as part of our maintenance program - the fresh coat of paint every few years and bits of chrome here and there are a matter of pride! (It was in 1977 that M&ET adopted the current red and white color scheme.) While it is becoming more difficult to obtain parts, M&ET has a "supply" of parts purchased over time from various railroads, and sometimes we even manufacture our own!