MRL SD70ACe article

chessie Jan 31, 2006

  1. Adam Woods

    Adam Woods TrainBoard Member

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    Quick and dirty, ACe's are updated versions of a MAC. In fact around here we just call them "new MACs". I don't know a lot about them but I saw something about the SD70MAC not being up to newer EPA spec, and that was one thing the ACe's fixed. Also ACe's are 4300 Hp (I think) MAC's are 4000 Hp. Oh ya and they got a nose job. A face only a mother could love (or a railfan). But maybe I will stop smacking my head on the way in the front door.
    Adam
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Meanwhile, from what I am told, MRL continues to tweak little problems with their order. I wonder if this experience is also typical of other companies units?

    [​IMG]

    Boxcab E50
     
  3. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Technology always has teething problems...
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    True. Just wondering if other unit customers are experiencing the same tweaks...

    Boxcab E50
     
  5. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wasn't CSX? I thought I heard they sent a batch back to EMD because of those issues...
     
  6. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    I was in Cheyenne when UP was getting their "Big Aces", but I hadn't heard of any teething problems from the Borg. Jeremy, ya remember anyone saying anything about UP's new units?
     
  7. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I dunno if this is true or not, but UP was not allowing ACes to lead.. There were a few that did after they first came out, that I caught, but most of the time, GEVOz were leading. Is this still a problem?

    Back towrds the topic, I hope to catch some more ACez on Mullan gain this weekend. Pray for sunshine!!!
    Oh yeah, LA Diver and grant-sar will be hitting the hill with me. I can hardly wait!
     
  8. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    I've only seen one Big Ace in BNSF colors since I've been here, and of course I didn;t have my camera with me. Gads, how embarrassing...

    Meanwhile: here's hoping for good weather in Montana!
     
  9. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks, Bob--will post report pics when I get back...
    Prolly in the railfan photos forum.
     
  10. YoHo

    YoHo TrainBoard Supporter

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    I saw an ACe at the front of a train parked in the siding at Portola Ca.. back in October 05.

    They were in a maintaince window with work at Keddie, so I'm not sure if it really was the lead, but it seemed to be.

    I also so one leading a 40-2 a month or 2 ago West of Riverside Ca.
     
  11. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  12. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Skyline Trestle--likely the shot of the day:

    [​IMG]
     
  13. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Definitely worth the effort to capture such a view. One of these days, maybe I'll get down there for a little foaming.

    :D

    Boxcab E50
     
  14. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Effort? Nah, that was an easy one. This one reqired a good climb...

    [​IMG]
     
  15. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    A similar, earlier view, from a higher, and more westerly vantage point.. These are certainly better morning light shots!

    [​IMG]
     
  16. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Light helpers seen above drift downgrade for Greenhorn trestle:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  17. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    A pair of ACez cut out from a double grainer at Elliston:

    [​IMG]

    These 2 ACez were spied at Blossburg on a WB doubled manifest of BNSF and MRL origins:

    [​IMG]
     
  18. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I rather like this view:

    [​IMG]
     
  19. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    From opposite the tracks, the ACez head back to Helena:

    [​IMG]
     
  20. Matthew Roberts

    Matthew Roberts TrainBoard Member

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    I am I correct in assuming that MRL is one of the few Class 2 railroads to have new and powerful locomotives like the SD70ACes?
     

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