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 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 turbocharged 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. Other than a few Geep and SD7/9s, 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) | |
