| Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad Midwest 9123, date, location, and photographer unknown, Chuck Zeiler collection. The chosen date and location are my best guess. Number 9123 was built by Midwest Locomotive Works of Hamilton, Ohio in October 1934 (c/n 1075). It was one of three built ( CB&Q #'s 9121, 9122, 9123) and the only three locomotives built by Midwest. Number 9121 was built in October 1933, and was the first diesel locomotive on the Burlington, pre-dating the Pioneer Zephyr (built April 1934) by several months. The Midwest locomotives were powered by a pair of Cummins L-6 six-cylinder four-cycle diesels rated at 225 horsepower each. Electrical equipment was from GE, a pair of GT-1160-B-1 self-exciting generators and four 714-B-1 traction motors. Number 9121 was requisitioned on October 1941 by the US Army during WWII becoming USAX 7196, later sold to Stockton Terminal & Eastern, becoming STE 10, scrapped in 1959. Number 9122 lasted until 1962, and 9123 lasted until November 1965. Number 9123 was the only unit altered with louvers added to the carbody and box-like vents in diagonally opposite corners of the cab roof. The bell, originally behind the headlight on one end, was moved forward toward the cab, and later to a location below the frame. It shows evidence of exhaust stack extensions, probably to help clear the added roof vents. |