Wreck & MOW
Reading Company LEMTU #90847
Background & History
LEMTU (Locomotive Engineer Mobile Training Unit)
We are very lucky to have saved such a car as unique as the LEMTU 90847. This car began life as a passenger car. The Reading discovered the need for the advanced instruction of train engineers in the proper use of air brakes and diesel throttles. It built the mobile classroom and built in actual control stands for both first generation and second generation diesel engines. The LEMTU was taken to many terminals around the Reading System and set up and used to train the engineers.
LEMTU 90847 sits at Leesport yard in 2002.
(Photo Courtesy of Charles Murphy Jr.)
90847 LEMTU after receiving some fresh paint sits in Hamburg at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. The other side of the car will receive the paint scheme shown in the first picture.
(Photo courtesy Kevin Painter)
As with most of the Reading equipment, the LEMTU went to Conrail in 1976. We don’t know if Conrail ever used the LEMTU as it was intended, but we are fortunate that Conrail did not scrap the unit. We acquired the unit from Conrail around 2001.
Our LEMTU 90847 had a number of paint schemes over the years. The scheme shown in the first photo is very distinct and the unit will have one side painted to replicate this scheme. The other side has already been painted to reflect the more conventional passenger style paint scheme used on the Reading.
During Open Houses and Special Events, visitors are invited to attend Locomotive Engineer Training in the LEMTU and receive a training certificate if they pass the test.