Oregon Pacific Railroad 1202
Last Update:  August 9, 2008
Oregon Pacific Railroad No. 1202
"Walter B Beebe"
The OPR 1202 is one of Mr. Samuels newest diesels.    Named after Walter B Beebe.  A friend and mentor of Mr. Samuels,
shown in this 1959 photo while a member and operator of the Shady Dell live scale railroad that Mr. Samuels also belongs too.

The 1202 is a GMD 1200RSu.   It served with the Canadian Pacific.   After the sale of the OPR 1810, the 1202 is now also the
most powerful diesel in the OPR fleet, making 1200 h.p.

This may be questionable, but according to Canadian Pacific Roster information, the 1202 began life in 1953 as an GMD
SW9 B/N A492 in1953 and originally numbered 7403.   

In 1982, it was completely rebuilt from the ground up as a brand new SW1200RSu by GMD, including new engine, new cab
electronics, control stand, special flexi-coil trucks and renumbered 1202.   It is sometimes referred to as a rebuild to SW9u
specifications, which might be more accurate given the original build date of the locomotive.

The only difference between an SW9u and SW1200RSu is the original year built.  Both used the V-12 645C diesel and made
1200 h.p.     The 1202 has a unique headlight/reader board hood that appears to be unique to Canadian built SW1200RSu
locomotives.

A series of photos of the 1202 when operating for the CP can be seen here.

The 1202 was rebuilt again in the 1990s.  In approximately 2005, the CP retired its SW1200RS locomotives.  Several made
their way to Larry's Truck & Electric (LTEX), a locomotive broker, whom from Mr. Samuels purchased the 1202.

Here is a photo of the 1202 at LTEX after it recieved fresh paint prior to being delivered to the OPR.

The 1202 is currently the primary locomotive for the East Portland Branch, augmented by the No. 100.

The 1202 can be seen switching out cars with the SP&S 700 at East Portland,
in this video of the 50th Annivesary, End of Steam, 2006

The 1202 can also be seen in this cab ride video of the OPR 1202 switching
out the 2007 Holiday Express and the SP 4449
Oregon Pacific Railroad No. 1202
More pictures can be found here.
Various photos of the 1202 in action in 2006 and 2007.
Photos of the cab of the 1202, including Mr. Samuels at the controls in 2007.
Copyright © 2004-2008 All Rights Reserved
Webmaster  
Brian McCamish
In Search of History Expeditions
Active & Abandoned Railroads of the Northwest
Webmaster Email
The 1202 switching out consist at the beginning of the June, 2008 Steaming through History event with the SP&S 700.
The 1202 switching out consist at the end of the June, 2008 Steaming through History event with the SP&S 700.
The 1202 making a revenue run southbound on the East Portland Branch, with Kevin Novak's speeding in the Oaks Park siding.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Novak.
Photos of the 1202 in action in 2008