GRR 222

GRR 222

GRAND RIVER RAILWAY 222 AS A BOX CAB
(following rebuild from second 10)

Built in 1904 as Preston & Berlin Railway, first 10 was constructed of
wood. Severely damaged by an oil stove explosion April 7, 1918 while
sitting at the Galt CPR station, it was rebuilt as 2nd 10 on a steel
underframe.

When the Grand River Railway switched from 600 to 1500-volt DC operation on December 4, 1921, it was rebuilt and equipped for 1500-volt operation. Second 10 thus became 222 with a full cab, as it was too short (28 feet 6 in.) to accomodate a steeple type cab.

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AFTER REBUILDING TO A STEEPLE CAB

Sometime in the mid-1950's, motor 234 was found to have a cracked frame. It was decided to rebuild 222 as a steeple cab with heavier weight and higher horsepower. In 1958 work was commenced at the Preston Shops. During this rebuilding, some equipment normally carried inside a steeple cab locomotive was moved out under the end hoods. In order to make room, the hoods were built flat rather than sloped. This resulted in visibilty problems making the motor un-popular with the crews.

May 4, 1961 finds the CPR again testing diesels on the electric lines. GMD SW1200RS #8162 has just arrived in Preston from switching duties in Kitchener-Waterloo. The evening crew has just taken over the train. The diesel unit will be returned to the CPR on arrival at Galt and the crew will work their shift with 222. Even though the crews said that they could make four switching moves with the electric motors compared to three with a diesel in the same time, the end of the electrics came a few short months later.

The Fall 1998 issue of CP Tracks contains an extensive article on GRR 222 including a builders photo, as well as 222 in its box cab and steeple cab configurations.

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ITR 70 is seen here on March 23, 1968 at Charles City, IA.
She was scrapped in November 1973.

IOWA TERMINAL RAILWAY 70
When the CP Electric Lines dieselized, all the freight motors were held pending resale. The Iowa Terminal Railway, Mason City, IA, purchased several motors, including 222 in July 1963 and renumbered it 70.
The Rensselaer Model Railroad Society Locos page states that GRR 224 (NOT 222) was renumbered ITR 70. This is a total falsehood. Trust me. I know and saw these motors many times while they operated on the CPEL.
GRR 222 was like no other CPEL locomotive in that the end hoods were flat rather than sloped. Obviously the roof number board from 222 was applied to ITR 62 thus giving the impression that it is ex GRR 222. 'TAIN'T SO!!
NO WAY!!

Some reference sources:-

Iowa Trolleys, CERA Bulletin 114 published in 1975, Library of Congress Card #73-90937.

An article on the Iowa Terminal Railway appears in the September 1973 issue of Traction & Models page 16.

For more Iowa pix, visit
Iowa Traction Railroad

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