Davenport did build diesel-electric locomotives but this locomotive, typical of many such small industrial locomotives, did not have electric traction motors or a large generator. They used a 4 speed (each direction) manual transmission driven directly off the back of the clutch by a universal joint. Davenport used their own design of manual transmission that had the rear axle running through it to power it. The transmission could move up and down if it was on uneven track. It had siderods to transmit the power from the rear axle to the unpowered front axle. Chains could also be used to power the unpowered axle, if the customer specified it. It was called a diesel-mechanical locomotive. Most of their later models had a torque converter instead of a clutch. Of course, they could use gasoline engines if the customer requested it. The D8800 engine itself weighed some 2-1/2 tons, so that helped give the locomotive some needed weight for traction. Modern replacement engines do not usually weigh this much and tend to cause these little locomotives to be "light on their feet" for traction. Starting the D8800 was by pony motor on the side of the big block or a battery operated starter in that position.

Number 44 was built in July 1952 ( c/n 16560 ) as SP F7 6379 ( SP Class EF415A-8 ), delivered without a plow pilot, receiving a plow pilot by February 1955, retired by the SP June 13, 1968. In 1968-69, the Wellsville Addison & Galeton Railroad in Pennsylvania began purchasing former SP and TN&O F7s from General Electric and Precision Engineering. Most were transferred to the Louisiana & North West Railroad ( an associated Salzberg property in Louisiana ) receiving new numbers there. L&NW 44 and 47 ( SP 6379 and 6309 ) were sold - 5/90 to Excursion Rails, Inc. becoming Texas Special 100 and 200 ( Dinner Train operating between Houston and Galveston ). Stored in 2002 at the Center for Transportation and Commerce in Galveston.

The book indicates that number 44 may have gone to the Golden Gate Railroad Museum ( GGRM ), Hunter's Point, San Francisco. However the GGRM web site indicates that L&NW 46 ( ex-SP 6378 ) and 45 ( ex-SP 6380 ) are in their collection. I cannot find the present location of L&NW 44. Any help appreciated.