The super-rare 837

[Mitch]

Though some pics have surfaced recently, 837 continues to be the most incognito SD-9 the B&LE ever rostered. 835 was a rare capture too, but she was only on the roster from mid 71 until latel 73. Considering that 837 was around for 16 years, its amazing how she avoided the camera lens in comparison to other units.

I found this picture circulating of 837. One interesting feature is the different font on her numberboards. Anyone recognize that font? I think 861-863 had that style for a time in the late 80's.

Compare that style with that of 839, which was the "standard" for SD-9's.

Also, the stenciling is still present on 837 from when she was originally a lease from DM&IR. I cannot zoom in enough to see what it says. Anyone know?

By this point, the ballast box was replaced with a second fuel cell. The 835-840 group retained their ballast boxes originally, while in B&LE paint. The pictures of 836 and 838 in the Erie Branch section of this site show that to be true in 1973.

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[Jon]

The oddball number font in the number boards was the standard B&LE freight car font at the time. You can also see this font present on number boards in photos of 847, 863, 865 and others.


rr-fallenflags.org/ble/ble847agb.jpg
rr-fallenflags.org/ble/ble863aga.jpg

[nkp715]

Looked thru my slides; never got a shot of that 837. But, here's the 835 at Wallace about four months prior to her demise.

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[Mitch]

Nice catch of 835. That looks like the same consist that is photographed coming through Hulton Rd. X-ing in East Oakmont in Nate and Robert's 1994 In Color book. I believe it was 865-835-877.

[Mitch]

Never did post the picture of 839 with what I consider the standard B&LE SD-9 numberboard numeral to contrast that of 837.

Here is 839 also on lease to CNW in 1978.

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[Mitch]

In much more unfortunate times, Meharg, October 1973. Here is the very front pilot of #835, the rest of her carbody sheared clean of the frame in the head on collision. The DM&IR lease stenciling is evident here on the battery box.

825 suffered damage, but was repaired at Greenville. One of the last black stripers active in 1973.

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[Mitch]

From the top of SD-9 827 which was the south facing unit of the northbound consist that violated Meharg interlocking, the mangled remains of #835, and the badly damaged 857 and 864 on their sides.

I can't think of picture that illustrates the raw physics and incredible energy that is dissipated through the equipment in an event like this, quite like this photo. Amazingly, there were no fatalities in this terrible accident.

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[BleBob]

Mitch,
Thank you for sharing these photos. These are the first I have seen of this wreck, and it is amazing that there was no loss of life. Accidents like these continue to this day, another reason to railfan safely!

Bob

[Lowell]

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