Did this unit make it into the BNSF roster? ? I spotted it quite a distance away today and immediately recognized it as something unusual: note the non-standard BN green paint, the remnants of the "flame" decal, plus the SD45 hood on an SD40-2 underframe... I think this unit was one converted by BN to LP gas, but one of you BN "experts" can probably fill in the details: Harold [ 03. March 2004, 02:34: Message edited by: chessie ]
This particular unit was in operation after the merger, however it was never reassigned an official BNSF number. It was one of many BN SD 40-2's that BNSF turned back to the lessors. It was converted to RLM or Refrigerated Liquid Methane. The symbol that you see on the side of the nose is the trademark of Air Products & Chemicals of Allentown PA. They manufactured the tank or tender that held the fuel for the 7149 and sister unit 7890. The fuel was kept at -260 degrees fahrenheit in this tender. These units were dual fuel units. Starting on diesel then changing over to natural gas. Like so many other BN experimental units, angled radiators were added to provide extra cooling capability. They operated on the "Northline" in Montana, North Dakota and into Minnesota. Legal problems plagued these units during their experiments. Nobody wanted this so called hazardous tender running through their town. The RLM equipment was eventually removed and the units are living out the rest if their lives as regular SD 40-2s. The 7149 was turned over to Helm Leasing. The 7890 is still on the roster and has received Heritage 1 paint.
Cool! I didn't know the units were in service, albeit in standard SD40-2 configuration. What's the big difference with an RLM tender, and a solid block of propane tankcars??? Seems like the NIMBY folks just want to make a fuss.
Doofus, is there anything you don't know about loco history? We talked about the abortive 6,000 hp locos a while ago. I notice a GE unit today marked as a C6044AC (UP 7066). Did this unit start life as C60AC, then got a name change along with derated prime mover?
I was lucky! I just happened to have some info on those queries! GE promised 6000 HP out of the HDL prime mover. It just can't do the job. Cylinder cracks and blown turbos haunt the big brutes along with software problems. They have been derated to reduce the failure rate. By the way, EMD's H prime mover is having the same problems.
These units together with the fuel tender looked very good when in use, with the bright green and white paint. Thanks for the update on them Doofus
Doofus - Lucky? You know the story about Gary Player, the South African golfer? During their heyday, he was leading Arnold Palmer in a major golf tournament, and was heckled mercilessly by Arnie's Army, the partisan crowd. As he sank a long putt, someone in the gallery called out, "That was just a lucky shot!" Gary turned around and looked the heckler in the eye. "You're right," he said calmly, "That was a lucky shot. But the funny thing is, the harder I work, the luckier I get!"
I think GE churned about a bunch of C44's in C60 bodies under the premise that when the 6000 hp prime mover was "proven", they could just swap out the 4400 hp unit for the 6000 one.... good luck Harold
Doofus, thanks for the info,,,, What a complete answer! I have never callled anyone "doofus" that knows as much as you Harold
This unit has ben rolling around CSX for years. The first time I saw it was in Nashville in 1996. Since then I have seen it in places like Corbin KY, Atlanta GA, Birmingham AL, and Chattanooga TN, I have to admit, I like the paint scheme!
Here's a picture of that locomotive when it was new. and the second of 7890. Below is a pic of my custom painted RLM unit i did for my n scale collection!
hey thanks guys, Im glad i found this place. i have been searching through this board and found some cool things so i hope to become a full time user. Reguarding the RLM unit i am currently working on 7149 right now. The only thing i had a problem doing was the fuel tender. I am trying to think of some ways i can get it to look more like the real one other than just a tender with the paint scheme. I'll post some more on this topic when it is finished.
Welcome aboard I look forward to seeing more progress on the fuel tender (and the rest of your collection)
Welcome!! I love that paint scheme... I've been looking for something different (but still BN) to paint my trainmasters. I think this is a definate option!
