D.E. initials under Milwaukee Road number?

[jasonelki]

I've noticed on a few of my milwaukee road locos the initials D.E. reside under the number. Any idea what this stands for?
Thanks!

 

[UP2CSX]

Just a guess but I know Detroit Edison leased some locomotives for coal unit train work. Don't know if it was the Milwaukee Road though.

 

[kjd]

On an SD40-2, it should be something like "30 ERS 6" for 3000 hp Diesel Electric Road Switcher 6 axles. It has been a long time since I have painted one or even seen one so I don't remember if I got it exactly right.

 

[jasonelki]

After closer inspection here is what I've got.
Fairbanks Morse H10-44 with D.E.10 under the road number of 1820.
Alco RSC-2 with a D.E. under the road number of 979.
And an Alco HH660 with a D.E. under the road number of 1603.

These are all from a similar time frame, late 30's for the HH660 to ~1947 for the RSC2.

 

[UP2CSX]

Ah, OK, that was just shorthand for Diesel Electric. In the early days of diesels, it was common for railroads to use some form of identification for diesel engines in the numbering system compared to steam engines. A good example was the UP, who's diesel switcher numbers started with a D.S. well into the late 50's.

 

[jasonelki]

Ah, OK, that was just shorthand for Diesel Electric. In the early days of diesels, it was common for railroads to use some form of identification for diesel engines in the numbering system compared to steam engines. A good example was the UP, who's diesel switcher numbers started with a D.S. well into the late 50's.

Ah, that does make more sense. I knew I should have included the specifics right away, you guys know your stuff around here!
Thanks much!
Jason