| Though initially unsure about the new diesel-electric technology and suffering from a lack of diesel refueling stations, the Pennsylvania Railroad was reluctant at first to put the new E7s to work. It quickly became apparent, however, that the new diesel-electrics operated with great efficiency and reliability. Almost immediately, orders went out to several manufacturers for new diesels to re-equip the entire “Blue Ribbon Fleet” of passenger trains. Due to be scraped shortly after retirement, quick thinking on the part of railroad employees saved the locomotive, hiding it for a time in an abandoned section of the Harrisburg roundhouse. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission raised the $20,000 scrap value to purchase it in 1976. |