PE 1624
Electric Locomotive

The 1624 is an electric locomotive which hauled freight trains throughout PE’s extensive system. Although primarily remembered as a passenger carrier, the Pacific Electric did an extensive freight-hauling business in Southern California for the first half of the twentieth century. PE built the 1624 and twelve other identical locomotives in its own shops in 1924-25. The locomotives were patterned after the predecessor 1601 class, built by Baldwin-Westinghouse.

As the 1950s progressed, freight service on the PE was gradually converted to diesel locomotives. This locomotive and sister 1622 survived until the end of electric freight service in January, 1958. Their last assignment was switching along Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood . In April of 1958 locomotive 1624 was donated to the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and put on display at the Pomona Fairgrounds. The 1624 was donated to the Museum in 1960. 

The 1624 was used regularly on the Museum Railway into the 1980s. After suffering from air compressor problems, failing roof boards under its trolley pole, and general exposure to the elements, it was out of service from about 1995-2005. In 2005, its roof was reassembled and rewired (the trolley boards had been replaced some years before). In 2006, the locomotive returned to limited service, and once again appears on the Museum Railway during special events.  With the completion of Carhouse Seven, the 1624 and the rest of the Pacific Electric collection finally received an indoor home.            
Additional Photos:
PE 1624 Carson sm.jpg (94533 bytes) PE 1624 1948001 sm.jpg (74648 bytes) PE 1614 red.jpg (213889 bytes)

1624 pulls a long drag of tank cars through Carson. ERHA-SC / Ray Younghans Collection at OERM

In-service view, 1948. ERHA-SC / Ray Younghans Collection at OERM

PE's electric freight locomotives were originally painted red, but after 1944 were painted black to follow SP locomotive practice. 
     
1624 train WA1965 sm.jpg (95435 bytes) OET 64 PE 1624 RBP sm.jpg (160143 bytes)

1624 final trolley adjustments sm.JPG (124835 bytes)
Pulling a freight train at OERM, 1963, Walter Abbenseth photo, OERM Collection At OERM, 1964.Robert B. Petersen photo, OERM Collection

Reattaching the trolley pole, November 2005
     

1624 shop scene sm.JPG (137176 bytes)

 1624 freight train at platform sm.JPG (131685 bytes) 1624 freight train Oil Jct sm.JPG (98227 bytes)

Ready to power up the locomotive for the first time in over 10 years

 Pulling a museum freight

 

John Smatlak photos except as noted. 

 Page updated 4/27/10
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