An once proud ALCO 4000 HP V16 motor, now a rusty ruin...Seen on CFR class 70, no. 27, Oradea depot. Their two-stroke Diesel sound will not be easy forgotten while pulling some 800 ton - 1000 ton freight trains on the gradients between Cluj and Oradea. There are also some histories (not verified) about some broken couplings when starting. 
But I must agree that this can be possible from a personal experience. In the winter 1996/1997, as the typical class 61 used for hauling the train Satu-Mare - Bucharest (also al ALCO-powered loco) got in trouble (electrical problems) in Vadu Crisului and a class 70 was brought from Oradea to the rescue. As I was in the first car, I remeber the noise, the fumes and the "bumpy" ride. But it was one hell of an experience. 5 Jul 2003

Photo and scan: Dan Jiga (djiga@personal.ro)