The 45-ton GE locomotive owned by the Kovalchick Corp. as seen upon arrival at the McHugh Shop.
Even through this 45-ton GE locomotive is owned by the Kovalchick Corp. and not operated in preservation, we have included it with our work in preservation due to its age and the fact that the Kovalchick family, as the saviours of the historic East Broad Top Railroad, is no stranger to preservation. In early 2021 the Kovalchick Corp. realized they were going to have to undertake major repairs or replace its plant switcher.
It’s easy to see the worn bearing.
A rebuilt GE-1503 main generator.
The locomotive required two rebuilt GE-1503 main generators, one armature that was failed required a total rewind. To expedite this project we supplied a qualified replacement armature from our in house stock. The McHugh Company provides top quality rebuilds to all types of traction equipment for locomotives and stocks many generators and traction motors to get your project done quickly.
Several years ago, another service company installed two Cummins 855 diesel engines into the locomotive. We found the installation was a very unprofessional job due to modifications to the hoods that allowed water to enter the engine compartment. We modified the hood to protect the engines and electrical components from the weather. Because the two diesel engines were recently rebuilt they only needed rear main seals.
The two air compressors and new radiators were also been installed. Often we have found new radiators and compressors to be competitively priced and a better option to rebuilding. On occasion, a new customer will question that our price might be slightly higher that some competitors. The difference is competitors are willing to send back a locomotive with worn out parts and we won’t. Our products last and we stand behind our work!
Small switcher locomotives have not been produced for decades. Many industrial, short line, and heritage operations would pick up a used one and run it until it was worn out then simply pick up another used replacement. The used replacements have dried up and many operators of these smaller locomotives are now dealing with units worn beyond regular repairs. We have the capabilities, parts, and experience to rebuild your locomotive to provide years of trouble-free service. In the long run this is safer, more reliable, and more economical than constantly patching and repairing a locomotive that is beyond its useful lifespan. Our customers have often used the term “better than new” after putting a McHugh rebuild into service. Contact us to see how we can help you.
The finished product will service safely and reliably for many years.
