BOONTON, N.J. — The last surviving Erie Lackawanna U34CH has taken a significant step toward operational restoration. Via its Facebook page, the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey reports that No. 3372’s prime mover was successfully started and run several times beginning on Sept. 25. The engine had not run in 30 years.
In the days prior to the first start, the engine was turned over manually several times to ensure it was free and clear. New batteries, provided by a National Railway Historical Society Heritage Grant were installed. The URHS believed strongly that the engine would start, having the fuel tank filled with 1,000 gallons of diesel oil.
Before the first starting attempt, the engine was pre-lubricated for 90 minutes. For the first attempt, the air compressor and head-end power generator were disconnected, reducing the engine’s load.
Guests at the recent annual URHS Museum for a Day event took part in what they thought was going to be a dedication for the first phase of the cosmetic restoration. Instead, they witnessed the first public start-up of No. 3372.
While the prime mover is operational, No. 3372 needs additional work before it will move under its own power. The next phase of the restoration will include an electrical system overhaul and traction motor replacement.
Erie Lackawanna No. 3372 is one of 32 such locomotives built by General Electric between 1970 and 1973 as part of a commuter modernization effort that also included an order for Comet I coaches from Pullman-Standard. The U34CH fleet was inherited by NJ Transit in 1983 and retired in 1994, with the others scrapped or sold to South America. NJ Transit donated No. 3372 to the URHS.
For additional information on the URHS U34CH project please visit its website.
