Since it's running on G&W roads, it could be anywhere on that system. They're being moved around like chess pieces, providing power where needed. I've seen GP39H-2s and SD40-3s (some originally CN SD40s) on the QGRY. It's quite possible some of the 40 series were tweaked up to 3300 hp at one time or another, more than likely one of the SD40s or SD40-2s. The DDA40X got its 6600 hp with two 16-645s each at 3300 hp.
Hardcoaler, Usually if it's on the internet, it's true so I was just making sure I didn't miss something. Some engines definitely have interesting histories, the roster of PNWR has original owners as varied as the NYC, B&O, Rock Island, Santa Fe, SP... I live near the Portland and Western and when they took the 20 cylinder engines out of the former SP SD45s and replaced them with 16 cylinder diesels, they renumbered them accordingly, for example, 3603 became 3052. I went to double check I was remembering things correctly and found a roster for PNWR "last updated Feb 23, 2025" and it has a some former MP GP38-2s in the 35xx series. I'm pretty sure there's never been a GP38-2 with 3500 hp so maybe they've changed their number scheme or they haven't renumbered them yet. I haven't seen one yet to see what paint they have so maybe they will be renumbered if they are repainted.
According to a friend of mines website and the history, Hardcoalers information isn't that far off, as it became PNWR 3003 and is former LLPX 3203, EMDX 200, GOT 725, CRIP 3004, CRIP 380... I must say, PNWRs ex-GOT units have had quite the history across the US and Canada. I also caught the unit in Albany in 2020 on (I believe) the Westsider that runs from Albany to Vancouver.
CIT Group bought 40 of these GP20D weird beasts from EMD in 2000 to rent out. They were marketed as a switcher with good visibility but the 2000 HP Caterpillar prime mover could get them up to 70 mph. The dynamic brakes were suitable if they were used in road duty. They were based on the earlier MP2000D swithchers.
What ever happened to these and other similar units? We heard about them for a while, but then they seemed to fade away. Not popular for whatever reason...?
Recently rebuilt AC44C6M still in primer! BNSF 751 wants to be like that when she grows up... Likely fresh out of Wabtec on the way back home to Ferromex. Cool catch!
I wonder how recent? Doesn't look that clean really. Very cool catch. Reminds me of the days NS was power short and ran units in primer straight from the plant.
