The Lewistown“Bulldog”
Engine No. 5900 and its twin, No. 5901, are unique among all the diesels operated by the Milwaukee Road. These two engines were the only completely railroad-built diesels to serve on the Milwaukee. Both engines were designed as combination engine-baggage cars. Approximately 85 feet long, the front 35 feet were used for the operators' cab, power equipment, and steam boilers; the rear portion of the engine was for baggage. No. 5900 and No. 5901 were rated at 1,000 horsepower and each was capable of pulling up to five passenger cars at a maximum speed of 75 mph. Both engines were retired in January 1961.
Photo from MILWAUKEE ROAD IN MONTANA Facebook page: Bill Abel
By mid-June 1948, 5901 was out of the shops, and for a while it pulled the Milwaukee – Berlin trains, 30 and 35. 5901 was soon transferred to trains 117 and 118 between Harlowtown and Great Falls, Montana remaining on that job until the trains were discontinued in August 1954. When the northern Montana passenger service ceased, 5901 returned to the Midwest for duty on trains 157 and 158 between La Crosse, WI. and Austin, MN.
