Filthy UP GE units. Why? (Pic link)

[Anonymous]

I have been seeing a lot of pics of newer UP AC4400CTE locos. that are just absolutely FILTHY! Example pic here http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=115259 Why is that? I am assuming that it is the area they are being used in, and the fact that the area has a lot of tunnels. So why is it just the GE AC units that are getting this dirty? I haven't really seen any other UP power this bad! I think recreating one of these in model form would make a cool weathering challenge!

[ericsp]

GEs tend to produce more smoke than EMDs. Also, UP likes to use C44ACCTEs and C45ACCTEs on its trains between Roseville and West Colton, which means that they, usually, go over the Tehachapi mountains. It seems any locomotives that go over those will be covered in soot in a short time.

[davekelly]

I think the UP paint shop foreman is Malcolm Furlow.

[dehusman]

The GE's are also used on coal trains so they never go through a shop, never go through a washer, they are always on a train, virtually always moving.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

Time for new UP press release: Millions of dollars and gallons of water saved by not wasting time and money washing locos. Conservationists and stock holders are ecstatic. Next news release is the cost saving purchase of rail and signaling methods from India!
Will

[Anonymous]

I believe in the concept of parsimony....

I think the UP has just inherited the Espee abhorrence for detergents.....


[(-D][(-D]

[Anonymous]

I've never seen a clean GE unit except for AC4400s on CP. Every UP, CSX, BNSF, CN and NS GE unit I've ever seen has either been rusted, weathered, or grimey. And don't even get me started on Dash 8s. Talk about not weathering well.

[twhite]

Actually, I think it looks cool. Two or three more tunnels, and maybe it'll start looking like SP used to.
Tom [:P][:P]

[balearic]

So, maybe this is UP's quickie "heritage" tribute to Espee? [:p]

[davekelly]

Does that mean one will have to pay royalties to heavily weather equipment?

Please, this was meant as a joke - let's not start the flaming.

[Anonymous]

They're using the same system i use with my car... the crud keeps dirt off the paintwork.. also deters car thieves... guess that wouldn't apply though...

[espeefoamer]

UP adopted SPs engine cleaning policy."We wash our engines every time it rains"![:)]

[oleirish]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ericsp

GEs tend to produce more smoke than EMDs. Also, UP likes to use C44ACCTEs and C45ACCTEs on its trains between Roseville and West Colton, which means that they, usually, go over the Tehachapi mountains. It seems any locomotives that go over those will be covered in soot in a short time.

I've been going through your site,and like it vary much,except no pictures of the steam engines on your roster,I'am getting reday to re-build an 2-8-2 micodo(I did'nt spell that right)[xx(][:I]I'am an S.P. fan all my engines are S.P.I found info on my GP38-2's(4823&4825)also my NW-2(1904)and my F-7A&Band my S-7&SW-1500.But no Steam Pictures,I've got good pictures of 4449&700 out of portland,ore.I would like Advice on where to look for info on S.P.2-8-2's[:)][8D]
JIM

[Anonymous]

Are you sure the loco didn't wander over from Rio Grande tunnel country?

Ron

[accord1959]

Usually it's a sign that the unit was trailing one that was burning fuel too rich, possibly blown turbo. That's why a lot of short lines paint thier units black.

[johncolley]

Now we all know that with all the lawyer's fees for logo lawsuits there is no money left for washing units! I wonder what the stockholders think of that?

[videomaker]

This unit has apparently been in coal train service for an extended amount of time as the end pusher unit ..Hooked up elephant style! Now thats dirty...Videomaker