While out west, I saw some Union Pacific GM's with a grill in the lower rear corner of the long hood. Then as we moved farther along the highway, i noticed that there was open space inside, and i could see through to the other side. The two units that i saw were in UP and SP colors, respectively, and appeared to be either '45s or '40s (it was far enough away, and i only got a glance!) Was i hallucinating, or is there actually units with the above details! haha I might have a pic of these in my photos from the trip, but who knows when i'll get them developed, sorted, scanned, and posted? LoL Nick
A grill in the lower rear corner of the long hood? The only GM unit i can think of offhand with that sort of think would be an SD70 or SD75 and being that UP only has SD70Ms... But it's not on the right side of the hood- tunnel motors on the other hand have large grills on both sides which you can easily see through. I'm pretty sure that's what you saw. Whether they were SD40T-2s or SD45T-2s i don't know. I don't think any SD45T-2s are repainted in UP colors though. I guess the question would be, could you see out the other side? Or could you just see inside the locomotive?
Hmmm....sounds like you saw either an MP15AC, GP15-1, SD40T-2, or SD45T-2. All four of these units have radiator intakes low along the rear of the carbody, and have a see-through effect to them. I don't think it was an SP or UP SD70M; while they do have an intake for the rear traction motor blower low on the rear of the carbody, it's only on the conductors side, and isn't really see-through. Was the unit 4 or 6 axle? ------------------ Have A Nice Day!
Your description (units in UP and SP colors) identifies the units you saw as either SD40T-2's or SD45T-2's. These units are affectionately called "Tunnel Motors" by us SP fans. The intake arrangement you described was developed by EMD and SP in the early 1970's to cobat overheating problems in the SP's tunnels and snowsheds. Basically, the conventional radiator intakes would breathe the hot air near the top of the tunnels, causing a negative effect on the colling abilities of the radiator itself. By moving the intake down to walkway level, the cooler air near the floor of the tunnels was drawn into the radiators. Only SP received SD45T-2's, while SP and Rio Grande purchased SD40T-2's. UP has inherited all of it's "Tunnel Motors" from the combined SP/DRGW system. In addition, similar intake systems exist on some MP15 and GP15 models, as was previously mentioned. Below, for reference is a photo of an SD40T-2 in UP colors. Personally, I still prefer them in SP scarlet and gray and grime. ------------------ Kevin Stevens www.trainweb.org/KernJunction
Thanks peoples! Ah, my first tunnel motor. I remember thinking in my younger years that I'd never see one of them... Nick
You havn't lived until you've seen a Tunnel Motor, the best of GM diesels Rio Grande - Mainline thru the Rockies.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ron Carlisle: You havn't lived until you've seen a Tunnel Motor, the best of GM diesels <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> And you REALLY haven't lived until you see 5 of them on the point of the oil cans, screaming at run-8, smoke and dust flying everywhere, wheels singing, while on your first visit to Tehachapi. I won't even mention the helper sets. And no argument, they are the best, especially when painted gray/scarlet as SP and EMD intended! ------------------ Have A Nice Day!
<font color="3333cc">Gotta agree, guys - they are a bit special </font> ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mankind: And you REALLY haven't lived until you see 5 of them on the point of the oil cans, screaming at run-8, smoke and dust flying everywhere, wheels singing, while on your first visit to Tehachapi. I won't even mention the helper sets. And no argument, they are the best, especially when painted gray/scarlet as SP and EMD intended! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I really regret not being able to get over there, but it just wasn't on the route! Oh well, I have a lot more of my life to live and a lot more tunnel motors to see.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mankind: And you REALLY haven't lived until you see 5 of them on the point of the oil cans, screaming at run-8, smoke and dust flying everywhere, wheels singing, while on your first visit to Tehachapi. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I have a copy of a tape a friend took back in the early 90's of a SP 'oil can' hauling up a grade approaching a level crossing (predictor type). As the gates dropped, a pickup stopped. A full 5 minutes passed before the train cleared and the gates rose. You wouldn't not want to be a railfan. The power? Five SD40-2/T-2 types up front, six mid-train, hauling their hearts out. Makes for a VERY impressive train. Gary.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>I'm pretty sure that's what you saw. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Applause!!!! :thank you: Nice photo Kevin, of a something that i would have never guessed as a kid, a tunnel motor in Armour Yellow... Anyone know of a good up to date site listing UP units old numbers/owners?
I have the Rio Grande ones listed on my site under Rosters. ------------------ Jim Harrawood #85 Utah Rails D&RGW---Main Line Thru The Rockies
I have seen several of the CEFX leaser ones on CSX lately ------------------ Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!! LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!! I looked at DCC... and stayed DC!
