White Pass Icons Reborn. During the Spring 2011 Rotary Run at the WP&YR, the power for our chase train was this pristine-looking pair of shovel-nose, GE 90 Class Locomotives, seen here at the company shops. I don't often raise my camera to diesel electrics, but in this case, I couldn't help myself. I'm in Skagway and these things are icons on this line, with no fewer than 11 of them on the roster. And OBTW, the locomotives you see here have recently been rebuilt. In 2008, the WP&YR began working with Coast Engine and Equipment Co. (CEECO) in Tacoma, Washington, to re-engine and completely recondition the old 90 Class engines. The rebuilds feature new Cummins Diesels that seriously lower emissions while providing 60% more horsepower than the original engines. Unfortunately, after the first two rebuilt units (90 & 98) were delivered, CEECO ceased operations due to financial difficulties. The moderization program was subsequently resumed at Global Locomotive, near Olympia, Washington and continues in 2011. This program leaves these machines looking brand new inside and out and will allow them to soldier on through the Alaskan wilderness for decades to come.
