Hallo! I am new of this forum and I have a question: I have see, in the BNSF roster. some GP 53: could someone tell me if they are improved GP 50 in the performances and the power of the engine? Thank's!!
Hiya Fabrizio, welcome to Trainboard! Ref the question, are you sure it's not a typo of GP35? BNSF has some of those? What's the number range and we'll see if someone can check it out further.
Hallo! No, they aren't GP 35; I have see in the web site www.bnsfpix.com/roster and they are numbered 3110-3162 always second the roster, GP 50 are numbered 3163-3207.
Okay, from this site Charles Beil's BNSF roster it lists 3100-3207 all as GP50's. 3100 to 3109 were Frisco (SLSF) bought units via BN 3110 to 3162 are the BN bought units. 3163 to 3207 are the ATSF units. A few of the BN ones were delivered with big cabs see this pic of BN3162 but that's the only major difference that I know of? I could be wrong though Anyone know for sure?
The second series there had a ew traction control system called (I think ) LARS, but I've never seen these refered to by adifferent designator. THe only significan varients of the 50 series 'm aware of are the GP59s and F59 and F59PHIs.
The only difference between them is the cab.The GP53 was set upt for a extra person in the cab and that is why they were extended.
Hello Fabrizio, welcome to Trainboard. Italy is one of my favourite countries to visit The GP53's are numbered 3110 to 3162 as you say. But not all had large cabs. They were designated GP53 by BNSF to reflect horespower derating from 3,600 to 3,300. 3110-3157 equipped with LARS and designated GP53L. 3158-3162 equipped with 8-foot extended cabs. 3162 was the last model GP50 built.
Hallo Alan! Thanks for compliment to Italy. Your explanation has been much clear and complete. P.S. Compliments for your the web site! I have inserted between my prefered site!
Any idea why they de-rated the BN units & left the ATSF ones alone? Seems a little strange as presumably apart from fixtures & fittings, and the small batch of big cabbed ones, they would be much the same loco's? Just curious?
Brainwave? Are the BN ones on the usual 15 year lease whilst the ATSF ones are actually railroad owned? Just a thought!
Fabrizio, what part of Italy are you from? My favourite place is the Sorrento area, also love Lake Garda
Hallo Alan! I live between Rome and Cassino. Sorrento area is near Naples that is far approximately 120 km from my house.
BN likely derated theirs for fuel efficiency and engine life reasons; this was done years before BNSF, and from all the indications I've seen, ATSF didn't really have any problems with theirs. The EMD 50-series gave quite a few railroads problems (although the amount of care they did - or didn't - receive can play a large part in reliability). Regardless, the 645 prime mover was pushed to its limits at 3,500 hp, and EMD was also going through quality control problems at the time the GP/SD50 series was being built. As a result, some 50's needed prime mover changeouts shortly after entering service, and for a time EMD actually shortened the recommended time between engine changeouts.
I have 3 pics of GP53L at home,a nd I can post them to webshots if someone reminds me. I always wondered why they were designated a 53, and why they had an L...... Thanks Alan! Just where do you get this info????
All, I have updated my pics at webshots, a whole boatload of cool stuff is now there. The GP53 pics are there in the Hemi's Trains 2 album. Have fun! Lotsa Cascade Green, and some modern BNSF schemes, too. Even a warbonnet! Njoy!!! The link is below.
