NAVY 10106

GE 45-Tonner

US Navy 10106 is a GE 45-Tonner, nicknamed the "General Ben". It was built in August, 1942 and is currently being acquired by MTM. It will join NSP 5 as a second Jackson Street Roundhouse shop switcher. Both are General Electric 45-tonners (industrial versions of the for-railroad-use 44-tonners.) 10106 is nine years older and looks more "antique". The cab, hood, and frame are slightly different, and the headlight looks more like a steam locomotive's headlight. Although 10106 has side-rods and 5 has a chain drive, that does not reflect any evolutionary change. Both were standard options.

Unlike many old locomotives, NAVY 10106 still has its builder's plate.

Previous numbering and assignments

April 25, 19(80)? [last two digits nearly illegible] USA #7251 Operated by: Michigan Army Missile Plant

The "Comprehensive Guide to Industrial Locomotives" (Edited by Jay Reed) says this: [slightly edited] GE 45ton (15717 8-42) Ex. USA #7251 (Camp Bowie, TX.)

Previous and current paint schemes

Currently, the unit wears basic black "dip" with yellow "safety stripes" along the frame. It has "10106" stenciled on one side of cab. Perhaps also had some sort of rectangular decal on cab but it is totally obliterated. Also currently has "MNTX" letters in vinyl "stick-ons" from the move from Fridley. "General Ben" is stenciled on the bottom of the cab (both sides) near frame (United Defense/FMC origin). Current scheme used to have "U.S. Navy" on opposite hoods on opposite sides. The unit also had "10106" stenciled above cab doors and on both sides of cab. This was probably painted out during its tenure at United Defense/FMC.

There is also evidence of a previous lettering scheme under the current black coat. One is able to make out "Transportation Corps" spelled out on opposite hoods on opposite sides, and also a "winged wheel within a ship's wheel" logo that can be seen in photos of other Transportation Corps locos.

The unit will most likely be restored to its most recently previous (and Minnesota significant) paint scheme of black with yellow stripes, and the full compliment of white U.S. Navy lettering and numbering (provided we are given permission from the Navy to restore it in this manner).

The unit is operational, and is currently assigned as the Jackson Street shop switcher. She's a little worse for wear on the paint, but performs reasonably well.