List, With all the new AC power, how long do you think the ol' SD40-2's and reliable GP9's will last? The SD's are about 20yrs and the GP9's almost 50! How long can old reliable engines keep on class one RR's rosters? Comments? Daniel D
Well we have over 550 SD40-2's(including the F's). So I don't think they will be going anywhere soon. Anyways the newer power usually stays west, and we in the East get the older power. Yes, there are exceptions, but that is the usual rule. And with the Geeps, no one makes four axle road units anymore so they should be around for awhile too. [ 01 May 2001: Message edited by: Driver8 ]
Very true, look how long the Alco's lasted in the east Let us hope the geeps hang aroung a long time too!
You always know when an older unit is pullin', cause you can hear that thing from a mile away. I like the SD40's
I know the GP9u's will be around for a while (1500 series units) as they have been equipped with belt pac, and are their best power for switching. There are about 20 of those units out at Coquitlam yard, and Vancouver 'yard' (for lack of a better word) here. There are also 4 SW1200RS units I believe. The SD40-2s have been finding there selves in transfer runs here (Runs ussually with less that 80 cars and less than 20 miles). The GP38AC units are starting to leave us....I wonder where they are going? They have not been retired to the best of my knowledge! Happy Railroading! Dane N.
They're probibly going east, as with all the rest. The GP9's would probably last longer, since the reason that freight 4-axle power is no longer produced (as meantioned) should keep them with us for a while. Daniel D BTW, all of CP's geep9's got rebuilt, except two, which where involved in separate crashes, and so far, I think, not one operational GP9u has been sold (except the wrecked ones)
One more thing to add, why where more CP SD40's sold then CP SD40-2's, when there's more -2's? Daniel D "Thee who speaks harshly of us railfans is a couple of boxcars short of a train" [ 03 May 2001: Message edited by: Daniel D ]
The SD40's are older, than the SD40-2's. This means that they can 'standardise' on -2's, as CP bought an awful lot of them. So much so, that even though more modern locomotives were available, they bought SD40-2F (full-width cowl bodies) instead, as components would be the same as the normal SD40-2. Standardisation = cost savings.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by E&NRailway: Are the two ex-E&N GP38AC's still there? Tyler<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Yup, the 3004 I saw last Friday, and I saw 3005 awhile bfore that (2.5 weeks I believe) Happy Railroading! Dane N.
I just read Daniel Bs post, and I pretty sure the SD40s have always been quite trouble some. CP chose the SD40 over MLW/ALCo power but CN wouldn't. They bought some MLW power and waited for the SD40-2. Also I belive alot of the SD40s are second hand or American units so CPR would want to get rid of those first. A unit that has been with the RR for its entire life will be modified to suit it, but the second hand locomtoives don't always do that. Total SD40/SD40-2/SD40B/SD40M-2/SD40-2F/SD40A units owned by CPR/SOO = 620 with 19 units unservicable, and of those 19 6 are for sale. Happy Railroading! Dane N.
See, I think that CP was so attached to the SD40-2 that they bought about 40 secondhand units, even when the SD70MACS where out! Daniel D
Now before we say "NO ONE" is producing a 4 axle unit anymore. Best check the GM/EMD webpage, they are producing a GP15D and GP20D. Those SD9043's from CEFX that are on line now, have sisters being built. Both GP15D's and 20D's from Boise. Under contract from GM. They are not bound to CP from what I know, but, there are 4 axle options if there was ever to be an order. Jon
The 'new' GP units are being built for regionals, short lines, and switching or small switching only RRs. They aren't that high HP, I believe (this is only off the top of my head) that they are 2000HP. Happy Railroading!! Dane N.
SD40-2 retired units 5422,5427,5429,5430,STLH 5447,5449 (ex T-2) 5483,5484 (all these were secondhand 5449 was a Rio Grande SD40T-2) CP proper sales. 5571,5596,5608,5628,5659,5686,5740 (ECMP) 5589,5622,5632 (now FURX 3050-3052 on CP) 5694,5820,5832,6070 (IORY 4083,4082,4084-5) 5710 (Trona 3007) 5839 (HLCX 6229) 5849,5979 (NRE) 5855 (OC 5855) 6032 (Helm) Retired: 5583:1,5584:1,5586,5588,5598,5634,5660,5693,5738,5799,5938,5986,6008.
The list isn't that big, considering all the -2's they own. What are the GP38-2's being used on these days, and where? They might have a chance of replacing the GP9's if they're not doing anything. Rats if they're going to! Daniel D
GP38's are scattered on the system. Doing everything from switching duties, light roadswitchers right to time sensitive freight. GP9's are not really going anywhere fast. So dont look for a mass exodus of them yet.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JPindar: Now before we say "NO ONE" is producing a 4 axle unit anymore. Best check the GM/EMD webpage, they are producing a GP15D and GP20D. Those SD9043's from CEFX that are on line now, have sisters being built. Both GP15D's and 20D's from Boise. Under contract from GM. Jon<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> The May/June issue of Diesel Era Magazine has more info on the MPI GP15D's and GP20D's. Harold
