A former U.S Army General Electric 45 ton side rod center cab diesel switcher. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

A former U.S Army General Electric 45 ton side rod center cab diesel switcher. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a May 2013 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Believe it or not, this little General Electric 45 ton side rod centercab light diesel switcher locomotive, is actually a retired military veteran!

This locomotive originally worked for the U.S Army, and switched freight cars at a military base or two. Now in retirement, it is pursuing a new career as the IRM's own shop and yard switcher, working behind the scenes at the museum today.

Thanks.
Eddie K.