R.G. and R.L. LeTourneau visited the Miraflores Locks on Sunday, March 27, 1955. They were visiting the Panama Canal (Canal) to assess and propose a more modern approach to pulling ships through the locks, specifically the Miraflores Locks.
Upon returning from the Canal, LeTourneau went to work. He created a replica of the undulating terrain to test his new Panama Canal Tug.
In late 1956, the Panama Canal Company awarded R.G. LeTourneau, Inc. a contract to significantly modernize how ships are pulled through the Panama Canal. This is the first major modernization since 1914. LeTourneau was asked to build two prototype machines at a cost of $650,000. These prototypes would be used for one year. If acceptable, the Panama Canal Company would order 25 additional units at a cost of over $4MM.
In July 1957, LeTourneau had the first prototype locomotive and test tug ramp in operations at the Longview, TX plant. The ramp simulated the wall and grade that the locomotive would need to climb during operations at the Canal. Later than year (November), two electric locomotives were released for shipment – the LT Electric.
Modern Day
On January 31, 2025, on his first overseas trip in his new role, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino on Sunday. His message, Immediately reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential retaliation from the United States.
Further Reading
LeTourneau Builds Electric Panama Canal Tugs in 1957 – R. G. LeTourneau’s Overland Trains
Overland Trains 