I remember something about that these units were going into helper service around the Powder River area(?). I spotted 2 of em today but i wasn't sure which way they were going! I mentioned this because they are relatively rare around Denver... At least i never see em here.
We see alot of SD60M "Palefaces" around Galesburg and on the old "Q" coal line to Southern Illinois. I just caught one on point a month ago coming into Beardstown, Il. Made a nice 8X12 to hang on the wall! ------------------ BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX! Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!
We got a lot of them around here in SoCal. A bunch of them were reassigned to the BNSF engine facility in Commerce, Ca., and they're a common sight on intermodal trains operating out of the LA/LB Harbor area. ------------------ Have A Nice Day!
I have read that the SD60M,s will be replacing the SD40-2 Sets on Crawford hill As the SD40-2 Are having problems with the traction motors overheating on the long push up the hill.They will also be replacing -2 on the push from Bridgeport. I will be in the area this coming weekend so I will be sure to check it out. they have been using Sd70MAC with automatic couplers on the hill, so they can uncouple on the fly.
<font color="3333ff">Hello Bratnut, welcome to TrainBoard Thanks for the info, please keep us posted. I live several thousand miles away, so it is difficult for me to check these things out. </font> ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
sd60m's were the bought for coal service until the sd70macs took over.the engines are supposed to be gluttons for punishment.the only bad thing i can say about the bnsf is they painted over my most favorite sd60m the freedom fighter.oh well i guess thats progress.have a good one all. ------------------ those who know me know my sense of humor,dont take me seriously. bnfan99
Last i saw those 2 Sd60Ms were still in town but this time they were sandwiching an Oakway... Maybe i'll try to get a photo.
Not in helper service, but still kickin' in Missoula, MT (Aug 2008): Helper service over Parkman Hill in WY (Apr 2008), shoving a heavy grainer into Montana:
We see them alot on the NW, I have had several on the point this year and they are hit or miss as far as being a good leader. I did have one that had some extra button's on the desk top that said "spotter", I asked my engineer instructor what they did and he had no idea, so I pused them, big mistake, the engine droped its load and to get it working againe we had to shut it down and restart it. Kevin