A local rumor is that BNSF is disposing of all but 100 'Deuces on their roster, with an anticipated influx of 300 SD70ACes. Is this true? If so, we'd better get out there, and shoot all the 'Deuces we can.
Deuces are always a good shot. I counted 16 in my archive, not near as many as I thought I had. Hope your rumor is just that, but eventually BNSF will have to pull them.
My archive has 110 BNSF and predecessor units in it, I just counted all the shots I have of any Deuce in service. I guess I should get back into it. I went out today, not a one to be seen in GTF.
Most are either in storage, or yard/local service. BNSF has a pilot program to see how they perform in switching service with hopes of retiring the older 4 axle stuff.
Not all jobs will see the demise of Geeps--some branchlines, MT has a few that fit this bill--cannot support heavy 6-axles. They either require costly rebuilding, or lighter power. I think the Geeps will stick around a while longer.
Has it been that long ago............................. Most likely BNSF will put the best performers into a surge fleet and set them aside LUGO. The rest will be retired, going to leasers or the scrapyards. Pretty soon, the only places you'll find SD40-2s will be at Argentine Yard or in Topeka. Speaking of retiring, the one and only "Beep" (the Baldwin switcher re-engined with an EMD prime mover and given a Geep-like long hood) is stored dead, retired. Number 1`460 was rebuilt in the Cleburne shops as a pilot for a proposed rebuilding programs of the Baldwin switchers, but that program was shelved. It saw lotsa service in Texas, and before being set aside was the Topeka shop switcher. While you're at it, get all the shots of the SD45-2s you can, 'cause sure as God made green apples they'll be sidelined as well.
Saw a long line of stored -2s at Barstow a week ago. They were buried deep in the yard. No pics and no count either.
Very true. I've noticed that all of the GP50's that I've encountered have been de-rated to 2500 HP and reclassified as GP25's for switching service. Any retirements of 4 axle power would probably start with the GP30/35 fleet. Pre "-2" electrical and not very fuel efficient... John, last time I was in Barstow(about 2 months ago) there were two tracks (1301/2??) filled with units, most with FURX reporting marks. LUGO as far as I know... Some of the SD40-2's have been derated to 2300 HP and rebuilt into "SD39-2's" or something like that, much like the UP rebuild program for heavy yard service.
Sad days In the past months, I've seen around 40 or so 40-2's Be patched from BNSF to FURX in Denver. So they might have a second life as leaser power. But lets hope they will continue in Service to see theire father(EMD) to produce they're next monster.
With the downturn, I imagine the leasing companies might be hard-pressed as well. Some shortlines (DGNO comes to mind) have a lot of rent-a-wreck leasers from Helm, CEFX and LLPX among others. We may see a shakedown of leasers too.
