Built: September 1957 | Rebuilt: 2003 | AAR Class / Type: BMD 15-Ton Industrial Switcher
Collection Details
Primary Identifier: Detroit Edison #117
Historical Line No: Serial #4320
Original Series: Brookville Model BMD (15-Ton)
Status: [On Loan / Stored Indoors / Special Programming]
Location: Grand Rapids, OH
Historical Overview
Constructed by the Brookville Locomotive Works in September 1957, Locomotive #117 was built for heavy-duty electrical utility switching at Detroit Edison’s regional power facilities. Designed as a compact, high-torque industrial switcher, #117 showcases the specialized internal combustion motive power that kept Midwest utility and power generation infrastructure operating behind the scenes through the mid-to-late 20th century.
Construction & Industrial Service
- Factory Delivery (1957): Completed on September 9, 1957 (serial #4320) as a 15-ton Model BMD switcher. Original shipping documents preserved by Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS confirm initial delivery to Detroit Edison’s Marysville Power Plant in Marysville, Michigan.
- Utility Fleet Operations: Shifting coal hoppers and heavy machinery supply cars across Detroit Edison sites, including the St. Clair Power Plant in Belle River and a temporary assignment (1971–1972) with contractor Townsend & Bottom Construction Co. during Monroe Power Plant construction.
Mechanical Evolution & Repowering
- Original Configuration: Built with an International Harvester UD-18A power unit featuring a unique dual-combustion, gasoline-start system that started on gasoline with spark plugs before switching over to run on high-compression diesel fuel.
- 2003 Drivetrain Rebuild: Following repairs to the original engine, volunteer mechanical staff replaced the mechanical assembly with a Detroit Diesel 6-71 prime mover and an Allison automatic transmission, converting it to an efficient diesel-automatic switcher.
Preservation & Museum Display
Following retirement from Detroit Edison utility service, #117 entered preservation, spending time stored at regional historic sites including Auglaize Village near Defiance, Ohio. The privately owned locomotive was subsequently brought to the Toledo, Lake Erie and Western Railway and Museum in Grand Rapids, Ohio, initially for secure indoor storage.
Through a formal agreement between its private owners and the railroad, #117 has transitioned to official on-loan status. To protect its airframe and mechanical components, the locomotive is maintained indoors and brought out for public display during special museum events and program functions. Crucially, #117 serves a vital educational role at TLE&W: providing hands-on operational and maintenance training for younger museum volunteers, including the youth Maintenance of Way (MOW) team, teaching them the fundamental principles of operating and caring for diesel motive power.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Original Owner | Detroit Edison Company (#117) |
| Later Owner(s) | Townsend & Bottom Construction Co.; Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS; Private Preservation Owner |
| Built Date | September 9, 1957 |
| Rebuild Date | 2003 (Repowered to Diesel-Automatic) |
| Car Type / Class | Brookville Model BMD 15-Ton Industrial Switcher |
| Capacity / Size | 15 Tons (~30,000 lbs) | Standard Gauge (4 ft 8½ in) |
| Mechanical Features | Detroit Diesel 6-71 Prime Mover; Allison Automatic Transmission; Console Shifter Assembly |
| Trucks / Bearings | 2-Axle (0-4-0 Wheel Configuration) |
| Present Status | Privately Owned / On Loan to TLE&W for Special Events & Youth MOW Crew Training (Stored Indoors at Grand Rapids, OH) |