While railfanning between Los Angeles and the harbor the past two day, I saw 2 SD39s, #6202 and 6219. This is particularly odd because ther are no Hump yards in this area. Anyone have any kind of explaination? ------------------ Cya own the line! Dash http://www.dashtrak.com
SD39's are medium horsepower/high traction units, which makes them useful in heavy switching. Where exactly did you see them at? Hobart? Watson Yard? I'm not sure about ATSF/BNSF's SD39 assignments, but Espee's SD39's were originally bought for helper duty, and later became favorites for moving long cuts of cars in transfer jobs, hump duty, haulers, and ICTF switching, so they're capable of more than just hump duty. -Paul #3 ------------------ Have A Nice Day!
I have a really poor pic of one that was in Denver for awhile... i don't think its still here though.
True, SD39s are capable of more than hump switchiong, but they aren't needed down here. #6202 was seen switching tank cars over by the Harbor. #6219 was seen at the fueling racks at BNSF's Commerce Locomotive Maintnence Facility. Also seen those two days were 2 GP38s, 2 GP35s, 3 GP7s, 4 GP9s, and a GP30. We are not switcher short down here! ------------------ Cya own the line! Dash http://www.dashtrak.com
When a yard becomes short on power (humpyard or otherwise), the Yardmaster will take any power he can get his hands on. The BNSF has been known to use SD40-2s, Dash-9s, & SD75Ms as well as various geeps, in & around the Hobart/Commerce area on locals and switch jobs; & SDF40-2s in tandem with GP39-2s in San Berdoo. The UP has been using as of late, a huge AC4400 on the Palmdale local, and Dash 9s on the Dolores Dock-job. So it's not suprising that an SD39 or two finds their way so deep within the BNSF-LA system. ........Thanx 4 listenin'........Q
