The eastbound "Sandman" had just left Gore, VA and was crossing U.S. Route 50 with RS-3 No. 527, S-6 No. 80 and 12 loads of sand. RS-3 No. 527 was purchased from Amtrak for conversion to a slug. Just for grins, the shop force at Gore decided to try to crank it up. It cranked and ran. They shut it down and checked it out. With some minor repairs, it was painted and put into service. When new, it entered service as Hew Haven 0527, so W&W gave it number 527.