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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by tormadel I could see the arguements for lesser power, SD38's or something, but would they really be significantly cheaper? (I don't think there was such a thing as a C23-7 build, and it would probably have some problems like the C30's LC refers too). I'm thinking for the coal hauling we're talking about SD9's wouldn't cut the mustard, or Milwaukee rebuilt SD18s or ICG SD20s. Also a question of what kinds of deals can LC get on longer term leases? Could these lesser units I'm talking about do the trick on a 1 or 2 year lease untill the new traffic warrents the SD40's? Could it be that in those couple years down the road that SD40's won't be available at such a good price? (The SD50 mention pique's my interest, I like alittle variety and something alittle different). It would sound like that next good question is that trackage rights to the powerplant even a possiblity? We don't want to be choked by the class 1 being tardy about picking up our loads or doing they're share on the unit train. Is the power plant on the main line or another spur? Is purchase of the spur the powerplants on an option? (Class 1 may be more open in negotiation if they would have to short haul themselves otherwise) This could also be effected by the traffic density the class 1 has on these related lines. I'm sure they wouldn't want a shortline mucking around already congested pathways. Are we connecting to NS & CSX mainlines or branches? [/quote] Heres one simple beauty about SD40s and shortline start up: If you get a good deal on 1 or 2 or 3 or how many involved. And if the per-axle weight of them is reasonable for the line being purchased. And you buy them, and then turns out ya got too much juice for the operation, then what was originally estimated/planned. Ya go the deturbo route. Now about this comment of SD9s not being able to cut the mustard? Examples are still ABOUND, of SD9s cutting the mustard to this very day. And older SDs are pretty darn cheap these days, but the loco market is always a changing. Right now, serviceable SD40-2s can be had for deluxe pick up truck prices. But after watching ( and studying the past history of the diesel loco market for 15 years now ), there are no guarentees on the used loco market prices. The only guarentee, is that used locos ( especially and most practicaly EMDs ) can be rebuilt, upgraded, and modified. And last I knew, there were only roots blowers available for HP capacity of only up to 3000horses. But with a flood of SD50s on the market, and they are out there now indeed, deturbo'd SD50s could be more attractive and practicle to the shortlines, bantam shortlines, and regional roads.
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