Modesto and Empire Traction

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The SW1500s seemed to be the sure replacements for the 70-tonners. This would not have been bad because they were pretty interesting. Their tenure on the M&ET were a lot shorter than expected.

As always; comments and corrections are, and new information is, always appreciated!

~Steve Sloan [e-mail me]

Modesto and Empire Traction Company

M&ET INDEX

Locomotives in the 1500 series; Action and Roster

Click on the following links to see pictures related to the M&ET:

M&ET 1500, EMD SW1500 "Ronald S. Jackson"

MET 1500 is a SW1500. Reportedly: MET 1500 "Ronald S. Jackson" was built by EMD in 1968 as an SW1500, SSW 2489, serial number 7087-9, SP Class ES415C-1. It has been reported as having also been Locomotive Specialists, Inc. 2489.
Working in March 2008
On March 31, 2008 the 1500 was hard at work for its owner.
1500 on July 30, 2008.
What we thought would replace the 70-tonners, M&ET 1500 switches between Empire and Modesto on July 30, 2008.
1500 on December 30, 2008
My motor drives were burning black and white film on my last railfan excursion of 2008 It was a foggy day in Modesto, CA. I prefer black and white film on overcast days. In the last shot M&ET SW1500 1500 hostles a set of GE's near the shops on McClure Ave in Modesto, CA on December 30, 2008.
1500 in Feb. 2022
On Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, Modesto and Empire Traction (MET) 1500 "Ronald S. Jackson" is sitting at the engine house in Modesto, CA waiting for work.

M&ET 1501 EMD SW1500

MET 1501 is a SW1500. Reportedly: MET 1501 was built by EMD in 1968 as an SW1500, SSW 2491, serial number 7087-11, SP Class ES415C-1. It has been reported as having also been Vancouver Wharves Limited 523.
1501 in Yard
Former Cotton Belt SW1500 2491 is in Modesto, CA working for the M&ET as M&ET 1501 on July 30, 2008.
  • Photo of 1501
    Nikon F5, Scan 2008080403.8
  • Photo of 1501 in yard
    Nikon F5, Scan 2008080403.9

Related Links

Click on the following links to see other posts related to this story:

Modesto & Empire Traction Web Site
The official Web site of the Modesto & Empire Traction Company.
Trip to valley on Flickr
On May 7, 2010 I took a trip to Tracy and Modesto via Vernalis.
Shortlines and Industrials
My Flickr set on Regionals, Shortlines and Industrials

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Special Thanks!

To all the great folks who helped me out with information for these Web pages!