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Tom Beckett's Collection
 
5/2/2024
 
 
 
 
 
Owner: Long Island Rail Road Company
Model:Alco C420Built As:LI 225 (C420)
Serial Number:6006-04Order No:21304
Frame Number:6006-04Built:8/1968
Other locos with this serial:  LI 225(C420) LIRR 225(C420)
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Eastbound surprise
Title:  Eastbound surprise
Description:  In 1978, the LIRR extended a couple of Ronkonkoma trains to Yaphank in response to the growing traffic as population on Long Island grew. Aside from the benefit to far east end riders, the bonus to fans was that they usually drew a C 420, which was becoming a rare event in those days, as the GP 38s had largely taken over the passenger duties. I caught one at Ronkonkoma, almost close enough to grab it. This was early in my photography career, and I still had a thing or two to learn about composition.
Photo Date:  7/18/1977  Upload Date: 12/2/2016 4:14:12 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420)
Views:  348   Comments: 0
Mid day layovers
Title:  Mid day layovers
Description:  This is not the greatest shot. I probably took it with the 110 Instamatic I was using then, in my early rail photograpy days, but it catches a transitional time on the LIRR. We see an Alco in the MTA blue/yellow scheme from the late 60s with a passenger train, something that would very shortly become a rarity, as the GP 38s had been delivered; an MP 15 poking out behind a train in the center of the photo, probably the only place in America where they were used in passenger service; and two of the aforementioned GP 38s, one at far right, the other just poking a nose out behind the Alco. These units would be hold sway on diesel trains for almost the next 30 years.
Photo Date:  1/17/1978  Upload Date: 12/13/2016 3:36:44 AM
Location:  Long Island City, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Passenger
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420)
Views:  324   Comments: 0
Pulling past
Title:  Pulling past
Description:  The power pulls past to set off a couple of cars in the industrial siding east of the station.
Photo Date:  6/9/1986  Upload Date: 11/25/2014 1:16:07 AM
Location:  New Hyde Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Night,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 223(C420)
Views:  411   Comments: 0
RF 91 stopping to work
Title:  RF 91 stopping to work
Description:  RF 91 behind the usual pair of C 420s stops at New Hyde Park to work a customer siding.
Photo Date:  6/9/1986  Upload Date: 11/25/2014 12:52:36 AM
Location:  New Hyde Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Night,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 223(C420)
Views:  390   Comments: 0
Done for the day
Title:  Done for the day
Description:  RF 63 has returned to Pine Aire and tied up. A new crew will come on after the evening rush and take the train to Fresh Pond as RF 91.
Photo Date:  9/23/1986  Upload Date: 12/14/2014 2:11:07 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  613   Comments: 0
Local power
Title:  Local power
Description:  Long Island had a small yard at Pinelawn. The power there was usually an MP 15, but occasionally would be one or two C 420s. Today I got lucky and caught a pair of Centuries there. Note the maintenance trucks at right. LIRR kept the blue/yellow on its vehicles long after the trains went to blue and white.
Photo Date:  10/21/1986  Upload Date: 12/15/2014 3:58:16 AM
Location:  Pinelawn, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  459   Comments: 0
RF 63 and the new station
Title:  RF 63 and the new station
Description:  RF 63 rolls west at KO-note the block limit sign to the left of the lead unit-and the forms for the concrete supports of the new high level platforms that are part of the new station that will open in about 11 months when the Main Line electrification is completed. Big changes are coming!!
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 4/16/2015 3:14:49 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 223(C420)
Views:  377   Comments: 0
Meeting the track car
Title:  Meeting the track car
Description:  RF 62 meets TC 80, in the hole at Yaphank. This view from the overpass west of the "station" shows how arrow straight the Main Line is through Suffolk County.
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 12/31/2014 4:18:57 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  604   Comments: 2
RF 62
Title:  RF 62
Description:  RF 62 arrives at Yaphank on a very cold day in February 1987. This was as far as the train would go this day.
Photo Date:  2/10/1987  Upload Date: 2/12/2012 10:36:45 PM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  602   Comments: 0
Making it up
Title:  Making it up
Description:  A pair of C 420s work at Pine Aire making up RF 62 to head east for Riverhead. Theyll do another hour of switching before going east, past Ronkonkoma and out of the commuter zone. Note the third rail. The opening of the Main Line electrification is less than a year away.
Photo Date:  3/17/1987  Upload Date: 4/20/2015 2:27:51 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 222(C420)
Views:  434   Comments: 0
Stuck in the middle
Title:  Stuck in the middle
Description:  The pair of Alcos that are RF 62s power are in mid consist as they work a siding at Pine Aire, and get their train together. A few more moves, theyll be on the head end and rolling east. Note the WLO reporting marks on the first boxcar, for the Waterloo RR, an IC subsidiary, and the ex Rock box three cars from the power.
Photo Date:  3/17/1987  Upload Date: 4/20/2015 2:32:05 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 222(C420)
Views:  390   Comments: 0
Commuters rolling east
Title:  Commuters rolling east
Description:  RF 63 has tied up in the siding at Deer Park, clearing up at the end of his day for the evening rush. Train 254 with MP 15 163 leading goes past the old Deer Park station en route to the end of its run in Ronkonkoma. The station here is no longer in use for passengers, having been supplanted by the new high level station built as part of the Ronkonkoma electrification. It will be kept for the freight crews and MOW.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/2/2015 4:26:33 AM
Location:  Deer Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 163(MP15AC) LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  489   Comments: 0
C 420s meet a Ronkonkoma train
Title:  C 420s meet a Ronkonkoma train
Description:  RF 63 has tied up at the old Deer Park station, meeting an eastbound Ronkonkoma train which is pulling away as it heads for Wyandanch and Ronkonkoma
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 2/12/2012 10:43:39 PM
Location:  Deer Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420) LI 257(GP38-2)
Views:  977   Comments: 0
Pulling in
Title:  Pulling in
Description:  RF 63 takes the siding at SG in Brentwood. It will shortly meet an eastbound commuter train, then head on to Deer Park to tie up. The electrification project is progressing-note the third rail in place.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 1:37:38 AM
Location:  Brentwood, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  415   Comments: 0
Made it
Title:  Made it
Description:  RF 63 is in the siding at Deer Park, its new base of operations. The old terminal, Pine Aire, was eliminated as part of the Ronkonkoma electrification project, as was the Deer Park station-note the platform has been partly removed, and the notice for the relocation on the station building.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 1:57:15 AM
Location:  Deer Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  411   Comments: 0
Pushing east
Title:  Pushing east
Description:  Train 254 with GP 38-2 257 in the unusual position of being on the west end, pushes past tied up RF 63 and its Alcos.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/2/2015 4:29:14 AM
Location:  Deer Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 257(GP38-2) LI 225(C420)
Views:  365   Comments: 0
NY 112
Title:  NY 112
Description:  RF 63 crosses NY 112 in Medford.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:00:54 AM
Location:  Medford, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  399   Comments: 0
Old station, new signals
Title:  Old station, new signals
Description:  RF 63 rolls past the erstwhile Ronkonkoma station and a new signal bridge, part of electrification project that will bring third rail and MU trains here, as well as a new station
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:17:47 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  396   Comments: 0
Pulling past the switch
Title:  Pulling past the switch
Description:  RF 63 has backed out of the siding at SG and is resuming its westward trek to tie up at DK
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:23:07 AM
Location:  Brentwood, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  284   Comments: 0
By the block limit
Title:  By the block limit
Description:  RF 63 passes block limit staton YA as it gets underway toward Ronkonkoma and Deer Park
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:26:01 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  287   Comments: 0
Not much of a station
Title:  Not much of a station
Description:  To be fair, there was not much traffic there, and I doubt Yaphank ever had much of a station to begin with. This bus shelter affair is what serves in 1987 as RF63 rolls past
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:28:36 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  316   Comments: 0
RF 63
Title:  RF 63
Description:  RF 63 rolls into Brentwood, where it will take the siding at SG for a meet with an eastbound commuter train.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:32:52 AM
Location:  Brentwood, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  296   Comments: 0
Smokin' it up
Title:  Smokin' it up
Description:  RF 62 does what Alcos do as it accelerates from a customer set out at Holtsville.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 4:09:12 AM
Location:  Holtsville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  325   Comments: 0
Short train, long view
Title:  Short train, long view
Description:  The flatness of Long Island is apparent in this shot of a 28 car RF 62 rolling through Holtsville, its caboose tucked in behind the power.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/5/2015 1:42:08 AM
Location:  Holtsville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  515   Comments: 0
Rolling into the station
Title:  Rolling into the station
Description:  RF 62 rolls into Medford behind the usual pair of Alcos. Thats NY 112 down below.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/5/2015 1:28:58 AM
Location:  Medford, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  341   Comments: 0
Getting it together
Title:  Getting it together
Description:  RF 62 put their train together at Pine Aire before heading east.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/5/2015 1:34:09 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  278   Comments: 0
East end bound
Title:  East end bound
Description:  RF 62 has passed the east end of the Ronkonkoma yard and is bound for Riverhead.
Photo Date:  6/16/1987  Upload Date: 2/12/2012 11:16:10 PM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  556   Comments: 0
Short car
Title:  Short car
Description:  LIRR had a group of these short cabooses, almost as small as an ore jenny-a box on wheels. This one is tucked in behind the power on an RF Extra passing Bellerose.
Photo Date:  8/9/1987  Upload Date: 5/23/2015 2:39:53 AM
Location:  Bellerose, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420)
Views:  154   Comments: 0
RF Extra
Title:  RF Extra
Description:  Sometimes an extra job would run. Today was my lucky day, I caught this while waiting on the eastbound parade of passenger trains. Alco 225 has caboose 53 and 21 cars in tow.
Photo Date:  8/9/1987  Upload Date: 5/23/2015 3:28:25 AM
Location:  Bellerose, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420)
Views:  254   Comments: 1
A good start
Title:  A good start
Description:  If you like Alco smoke!! RF 63 gets underway toward Ronkonkoma with a whole 16 cars, getting up to speed quickly with the usual show of power Alco is famous for.
Photo Date:  10/29/1987  Upload Date: 6/12/2015 3:28:12 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  445   Comments: 0
Working the siding
Title:  Working the siding
Description:  RF 63 works its cars on the siding at Yaphank as the late day sun lights up the power. Block station YA is at far right, one of many to use its telegraph call sign into the digital age.
Photo Date:  10/29/1987  Upload Date: 6/12/2015 3:32:18 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  217   Comments: 0
Caboose hop
Title:  Caboose hop
Description:  RF 57 is running caboose light as it passes through Mineola on its way to Fresh Pond.
Photo Date:  12/20/1987  Upload Date: 6/17/2015 1:59:12 AM
Location:  Mineola, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 156(MP15AC) LI 225(C420)
Views:  399   Comments: 0
Headed for Fresh Pond
Title:  Headed for Fresh Pond
Description:  RF 57 has finished its work for the day and is headed through Floral Park on its way to tie up.
Photo Date:  1/10/1988  Upload Date: 6/24/2015 4:19:24 AM
Location:  Floral Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Winter,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  291   Comments: 0
Working the siding
Title:  Working the siding
Description:  RF 57 is working the printer at New Hyde Park, switching cars in and out on the long siding there. Hell spend 30 minutes going back and forth before getting everything placed and pulled.
Photo Date:  1/10/1988  Upload Date: 6/24/2015 4:21:52 AM
Location:  New Hyde Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Winter,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  361   Comments: 0
Walking it back
Title:  Walking it back
Description:  RF 57s conductor is walking back with the shove to complete the work at the customer. He will shortly get permission out on the main to run to Fresh Pond.
Photo Date:  1/10/1988  Upload Date: 6/24/2015 4:25:32 AM
Location:  New Hyde Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Winter,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  262   Comments: 1
Caboose fantrip
Title:  Caboose fantrip
Description:  In September of 1989, LI Surise Trail NRHS rana trip featuring a ride in LIRR cabooses as part of the trip. The train was handled by C 420s 229 and 225, which had been painted into their as delivered scheme of NYSDOT yellow and blue. Here we see them at Clinton Rd on the Mithcell Field Secondary.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 7/29/2012 12:39:55 AM
Location:  Garden City, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  459   Comments: 0
Crossing Clinton
Title:  Crossing Clinton
Description:  The Kabin Kar Trek has gone as far out on the Mitchell Field line as it can, and changed ends. It now approaches the old Clinton Rd station in Garden City in a display only an Alco can provide.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 11/27/2015 4:57:09 AM
Location:  Garden City, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 225(C420) LI 609(Power Car)
Views:  350   Comments: 0
Clinton Rd station
Title:  Clinton Rd station
Description:  The one remaining station on the Mitchell Field Secondary is at Clinton Rd in Garden City. The Kabin Kar Trek ran out as far as they could go, then stopped here for photos. This is the train behind a pair of MTA painted C 420s smoking past the old station.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 11/28/2015 3:57:36 AM
Location:  Garden City, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 225(C420) LI 609(Power Car)
Views:  336   Comments: 2
Street side
Title:  Street side
Description:  The trip has passed Clinton Rd station, and is now backing up for another go. This time we look from the street side of the station.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 11/28/2015 4:05:39 AM
Location:  Garden City, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 225(C420) LI 609(Power Car)
Views:  243   Comments: 0
Last lap
Title:  Last lap
Description:  The Kabin Kar Trek is on its last leg as it rolls through Floral Park on its way to drop the tired but happy riders at Jamaica.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 11/28/2015 4:10:58 AM
Location:  Floral Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 225(C420) LI 609(Power Car)
Views:  286   Comments: 0
Fantrip meet
Title:  Fantrip meet
Description:  The LIRR Kabin Kar Trek-a fantrip where passengers could ride in one of eight cabooses on the train-is overtaken by a Port Jeff train as they pass the team tracks.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 11/27/2015 4:30:41 AM
Location:  Queens Village, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 254(GP38-2) LI 609(Power Car) LI 225(C420) LI 229(C420)
Views:  377   Comments: 0
Kabin Kars
Title:  Kabin Kars
Description:  The LIRR ran a Kabin Kar Trek on this Sunday, covering some of the freight only areas on the west end, including Bushwick Terminal and the Bay Ridge Branch. After swapping power at Jamaica, it ran out the Mitchell Field Secondary behind a set of Alcos. Here is is passing the Queens Village team yard with FA 609 leading a pair of C 420s repainted in the MTA scheme from the 1960s. The Centuries still have their 251 engines, but the FA has had its 244 removed and a Caterpillar engine/generator set installed. It's just along for the ride, but an Alco cab leading a pair of Centuries is still a good looking consist.
Photo Date:  9/10/1989  Upload Date: 11/27/2015 4:38:51 AM
Location:  Queens Village, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 609(Power Car) LI 225(C420) LI 229(C420)
Views:  321   Comments: 0


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