The sixteen new SD70ACe units are all built. They have been moved out to contracted sites for testing. Then will be painted. It won't be long now! Boxcab E50
It's awesome that they are getting those, but in the same sence, I hate to see those SD45's go. One of my top 5 all-time favs.
I can't wait. Those will be really cool. I got some pics somewhere when they the CSX demo units over Mullan Pass.
Kurt- As I am told, by an MRL staff member, the SD45's won't be going away. Those that are still serviceable, will continue in other uses. MRL does also send quite a few units out on lease. It was not all that long ago, a lot of MRL units were deadlined. But when power demands surged, many that had been looking like potential scrap, or slated for such action, were pulled out, repaired, and are now again turning miles across the nation. Some are even stored on other RR's. Such as BNSF. As they are reluctant to turn them back for fear of being short again. I enjoy the thunder of an SD45. And hopefully we'll hear them for many more years to come. If not, maybe we can see an ex-NP unit at least cosmetically restored for display somewhere...... Boxcab E50
Some MRL units have been running on NS... I think they are on lease. I caught one here in town about a month ago. Harold
I honestly don't know exactly how they'll look. I saw an artists conception. Somewhere. But don't remember if it was official, or a fan dreaming up a scheme. I would guess they would be very similar. We shall see how far off I am in reality! Boxcab E50
That would be awesome if they could donate one to the NPRHA just like BN did for the GNRHS. Even better, run it on the head-end of a few MRL trains over Mullen or Evero!!
It would be cool! Hustle Muscle was a unique and historic unit. So that helped save it. I wish Tim Harris' still had his web site up. I can't recall the heritage for all those on the MRL roster. Surely there's an ex-NP in there somewhere. Boxcab E50
The first of these new units should start moving into CEECO, (Tacoma, WA), by weeks end. Won't be long now! Soon we'll see the paint scheme. Boxcab E50
According to my source, the SD45s will continue to see service. But not as they are at present. And could indeed be leased. Boxcab E50
