Hi. I read somewhere that CP had returned all of its CEFX units. It seemed true as I had not seen one for months. Until Yesterday. I saw CEFX AC4400 #1053. Has CP released some of them, or is that one on horsepower loan from another railway, or have hey kept them all along, and what I heard was false.
I seem to remember that the first batch of AC4400s built to UP specs were returned. The second batch built to CP specs, of which 1053 would be one, are still online AFAIK. As more of the GEVOs are delivered they may all be returned, so get your pics while you can.
The fake 90's are seen every day out here, blue units almost every day. Some are low numbers still but most are the latter order done to CP specs.
I remember reading all the leased SD90s were returned. I haven't been seeing the SOO SD60s lately, 11 were sub leased to Indiana, anyone know of their assignment at this moment?
The easiest spotting difference is the UP spec'd units have the number boards above the cab winddows (black numerals on a white background) and no nose door window while the CP spec'd have the number boards in the nose (white numerals on a black background) and have a nose door window.
Last weekend there were 4 maroon fake 90's at Lethbridge along with 5 UP fake 90's(8200's). Triplex you have to get out more! To see the maroon units go to the Crowsnest Sub. I am going to waterton this friday I let will report to you all again.
BNSF has CEFX ex SOO SD60's. I had one in my train a few weeks back as the seconf unit, it was not lead qualified. Kevin
The CEFX AC4400s are starting to become rare on CP trains, though I did see one on a train on sunday while waiting for my return trip. I read in last years company financial report that the lease units will be returned and SD40s retired as the new units arrive (GE ES44ACs). The new units are more fuel efficient and enviorment friendly, I like how quiet they are inside. Although rumors are floating around that the ES44ACs aren't proving as durable as the AC4400s, good thing for Long GE waranties. Sounds similar to the big horsepower SD45(20cyl) ->SD50(16cyl) issues, AC4400(16cyl) ->ES44AC(12cyl) More power from a smaller diesel engine. The comon consist on the 100 series hotshot trains is AC4400 leading an SD9043mac or AC4400 with a locotrol AC4400 on the tail end. Its rare to see an SD90 leading any train, just not as good as the AC4400. Thats why over half the fleet is made up of GEs.
OK this was a strange trip, saw 3 trains on the Crow sub Friday. Was going to Waterton so only saw track for 10 minutes going down and 40 minutes coming home. On the way down caught a potash WB at Macleod. 2 UP fake 90's on the point with 2 more midtrain. First time to see all UP power. On the way home caught a general freight at Pincher, 2 UP fake 90's on the point. WOW 2 all UP trains! Caught a third train just west of Macleod, another potash with 3 UP fake 90's on the point! 3 trains all with 8000, 8100, and 8200 UP power. Not only did I not see any lease units I did not see any CP units!
