Why does BNSF pair up a B23-7 and GP30u?

[Anonymous]

BNSF seems to very frequently pair up a B23-7 and a GP30u for yard work and locals. Why this pairing? Any good reason for it? It seems to happen more often than chance would suggest as random.

[Anonymous]

I tend to see the same thing in Omaha alot too. Don't ask why they just like it that way:).
BNSFrailfan.

[Anonymous]

Power is Power.

If it's available then the power desk will use it.

Lately in my area, CP has been short of small power for the local's, and in the places where 6 axle locomotives can go, CP's been using two AC4400s asses together.

It's almost always small power where the locals go, so it was quite a site to see to big power heading down the local branch line!

[Anonymous]

Oh, I definitely agree, but BNSF at least in Southern California seems to like the B23-7/GP30u pairing. I don't think I've seen a B23-7 running with anything BUT a GP30u.

[espeefoamer]

BNSF uses a set like this in Hobart yard,in Los Angeles.

[Anonymous]

Several, actually.

[edbenton]

Back in the late 80's the peferred lash up on a local was a GP30u and a GP35u crews loved that arraingment. The crews I talked to in IL said they had never had a better set of matched engines on their life. One reason on the b23-7 and the GP30 could be close on HP and sear numbers of locals. Most of the former ATSF B-23-7 are actually rated at 2500 HP and the GP 30u's are the same.

[mudchicken]

Wait till the hoggers tell you how they load up & transition, then it getsa obvious. And the GP-30 is a little more slippery at low speed. One starts it, the other moves it.