OSW's bl15e #1517 in green & cream

In 2023, the Parsons Vale did something they had not done for over 30 years; they ordered a batch of motors from a place that was not the Portland Shops or ILW; the Brookville class P switching motors.

These motors are based on the low-tension AC units Brookville had built for the Compagnie Minière IOC a few years back. The head office wanted to experiment with remote control units in some of the busier yards on the system, and wanted a proven unit to test with, and Brookville had the proven unit and experience with non-diesel power.

They were more expensive than similar units from the Portland Shops, but the intent is that if they prove to be a satisfactury way of doing yardwork then followup orders will be done by Portland.

The order was delivered en masse in 2024, so obviously are in service.

  • Copyright © 2024 by Jessica L. Parsons (orc@pell.portland.or.us) unless otherwise noted
    Sat Dec 02 15:11:18 PST 2023