Saw a video on YouTube this morning. In it was seen a fairly new engine. From what I can find about it, an "SD23T4". Anyone have more information? How many they are receiving? What their intended use might be...?
The ET23DCM is an EMD SD40-2 rebuilt by GE Transportation, and repowered with a GEVO-6 prime mover. This locomotive meets the EPA Tier 4 emission standards. CSX has ordered 13 rebuilds.
What is the intended use of these units? They seem to be lower horsepower, so not full fledged road switchers. Thirteen is a small batch, so are they a test group, to consider before getting more?
Well, maybe CSX plans on using them to pay off mileage for UP and BNSF for use in the Los Angles basin. I am not aware of any places on the CSX system that require Tier 4.
We have a pair of Sponge Bob Square Cab SD40-3's in mostly captive service down here on the old L&N in Mississippi where they are the prime power for the daily Pascagoula to Pass Christian turn, which also works the CPKC interchange in Gulfport. I'd expect similar service from these as well.
With the designation being 'SD23T4' - is the T4 standing from Tier 4 or is it standing for 4 Traction motors in the same vein the BNSF has used to designate their engines where the center axle of 3 axle trucks can be lifted to put the full weight of the engine on the powered axles?
