And Now For Something Completely Different

[FCIN]

The S-2 was already designed for awitching, so why did they rebuild the cab? What advantages did it give?

Don't know if I can shed any light on your questions as even though I talked to the manager at the load out, he couldn't provide much info, even to who did the rebuild job for Shamrock.

Clearance was not an issue as the unit coal trains with SD40-2's easily went under the loader. I've always just assumed that this cute little "thing" was rebuild from a wreck, using what could be salvaged and just fabricating that cab. I have seen several other switchers at various coal mines in Kentucky that also had an operator "booth" built into one step well, but none of the loco's were modified like this, although many had been re-engined with small Caterpillar engines - evidenced by the thin exhaust stacks usually in odd locations on the hood.