From the Shortlines group at Yahoo!, this report: RPRX units to Modesto Posted by: "Mike Murray" Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:00 pm (PST) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jody Moore" Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:56 PM Subject: RPRX units to Modesto, CA I got word (and some magnificent photos) from a friend recently that the RPRX RP20BD leasers that had been leased to UP and stored in Stockton have been handed over to the Modesto & Empire Traction in Modesto, CA. The units are RPRX 5403, 5404, 5405 and 5406. It was rumored that the 5402 - which had been shipped to RJC in Lexington, KY after completion of repairs at Relco in Albia, IA - would be joining the fleet. As of tonight, it's in Big Spring, TX a ways west of Fort Worth on Union Pacific, so that rumor appears to be correct. Though I've heard nothing official, the M&ET appears to be leasing the units from RJC Railpower. 5404, 5405 and 5406 have all been seen working on MET recently. Check out this awesome photo Lynn Powell got of the 5404 outside the M&ET engine house with the M&ET 2000 & 2001: <http://www.trainweb .org/gensets/ railpower/ rprx/5404d. jpg> Jody
This is sertainly BIG news for the M&ET!! I wonder if the M&ET will be painting the 4 new units in M&ET colors any time soon? Looks like ill be needing 4 more RP20BD's for my M&ET fleet!!
Now the question is, do I add them to my roster or not? If a very short lease or test, probably not. A long term lease, maybe so. A purchase, yes.
Ive heard that the M&ET has no plans on adding them to their permanent roster as of right now. Ive got 4 Atlas B30-7's on pre-order right now, because i was going to have my buddy turn them into M&ET gensets to match these 4 leased units, but i dont know if this will happen because i dont know the M&ET will end up purchasing the 4 leased RP20BD's. For now, im leaving them on order, and when it comes closer to when they are being released, ill make my final decision if there is no new news on the 4 leased units.
Here are photos of the 2000 and 2001 under construction at Altoona, Pa. at the NS shops Nov. 2008. MRS11818
RPRX 5403, 5404 and 5405 pumping air on a U.P. 100 car grain train in Covell Siding on the Fresno Sub at CP SP 109 on 12/12/09. They walked away with over 10,000 Tons like it was nothing. mrs11818
