Peabody Coal: "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor . . . . " |
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| A scan of the pre-1980 roster of industry giant Peabody Coal reveals that there had not
been much in the way of new locomotive technology, and it had relied purely on first-generation
power to move coal and generate revenues. In fact, you'll have to look real hard to find anything
resembling an EMD with a turbo-charged 567 /645 engine or GE U-boat. It was clear that
first-generation power was the norm, and all of the key locomotive builders of that time period
were represented.
Located principally in the southern regions of Indiana and Illinois as well as Kentucky, there possibly was not a more eclectic roster to be found - especially on a per capita basis. Moreover other than a few Geep and SD 7/9s, EMD-built units were in the minority. With few exceptions, Peabody made a practice of acquiring other railroad's cast-offs ands mavericks - and most importantly, the strategy was successful. The Joe Brockmeyer photo shows PCC #343 south of Lynnville, Indiana on 7 August 1973. (R. Craig collection) | |
