Dash-8's

[Anonymous]

Why does Atlas make an 8 wheeled version? The only real ones I've ever seen have 12 wheels.

[Anonymous]

There's two variants - one with 4 axles and one with 6. 4 axle version is known as a Dash 8-40B while 6 axle is known as a Dash 8-40C - both versions can be had with narrow or wide cabs - standard cab versions are as above, wide cab versions have "W" added to the designation (as in Dash 8-40CW).

[Anonymous]

Is the "B" older than the "C"? Where can I find more information?

[billlbeutler]

The 8 wheel are Dash 8 40-B for the B truck 8 wheel The Dash 8 40 C is for the C truck 6 wheel. The BNSF has a lot of Dash 8 40 B'S that the Santa Fe had.

[Anonymous]

A good place to find pictures of these locos would be www.railpictures.net - quite often if you type in the road number of the model you'll find a photo or photos of the real thing - handy for detailing projects. I think as far as age is concerned they are about the same.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Thom

Is the "B" older than the "C"? Where can I find more information?

Hello Thom,
Answer: Same age!

These locomotives are what's called "Catalog Models". Just like a car the manufacturer offers different flavors. The 4 axle and 6 axle versions are included in the model's line as well as cab choice, dynamic brakes, horn type and placement, etc. So when the railroads place their orders the manufacturer (GE, or EMD) will produce the desired model.

Back in the 80s, I remember that 4 axle units were "hot" and in demand. I even remember reading a rather somber commentary inTRAINS Magazine that the days of railroads ordering six axle units were about over!! Well, looks like we're still laughing on that joke! [(-D][(-D] From the early 90s til now, 6 axles have been high in demand again, even more so than during the 1960s "Horsepower Wars" of EMD, GE, and ALCO..

Cheers!

[cspmo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Thom

Why does Atlas make an 8 wheeled version? The only real ones I've ever seen have 12 wheels.

Atlas does make a C40-8,and is coming out with a C40-8W.

[Anonymous]

Why does a railroad choose NOT to have dynamic brakes?

Jim

[Anonymous]

I'd guess that dynamic brakes are intended for long hill descents, so if the railroad's track profiles don't include any steep grades they could save money by ordering a loco without dynamics. This would also save on maintainance costs. It looks like this practice has died out as railroads become larger - it's easier to operate if all locos of the same type have the same abilities, so that they can be used anywhere on the system.

[garr]

Jim,

The track profile has a lot to do with the decision on dynamic brakes. The more level the profile, the less need for dynamics. With todays big Class 1's and their large and varied track profile, almost all , if not all, new locomotives come with dynamic brakes.

In days past, railroads were more localized and could purchase for small geographic areas. Thus, a railroad with a realitively flat profile would not need to spend the extra money for dynamic brakes.

Jay
PS. I type a little slow, didn't mean to basically duplicate Railroading_Brit.

[garr]

Thom,

Keep looking in Acworth. CSX has quite a few B40-8's. Some were financed by CSX for the Susquahanna and subsequently returned to CSX around the time of the Conrail division between CSX and NS. I believe Conrail also had some B40-8's and these were divided between CSX and NS.

I'm also in the Acworth area. If you like, drop me an email.

Thanks,
Jay