.

[Anonymous]

.

[Anonymous]

Lets hope that someone with deep pockets buys EMD. With a half a dozen railroads eventually being reduced to two or three, and one builder, the rail scene will be pretty boring. Most of the variety has been taken out of railroading already, it will be sad if EMD goes the way of Alco and FM.

[sooblue]

GM is going to divest
some one will buy emd

[Anonymous]

I don't know about any deep pockets, but someone will buy EMD, or GM will keep running it. It isn't going to go away because despite the GE units successes, RRs don't want to be beholden to one monopoly. Don't be surprised if it ends up in the hands of Siemens. After all, a considerable ammount of their tech goes into those SD70MACs.

Also don't be surprised at any of the following:
Dennis Washington's ex MK Company
Boise Locomotive Works
Bombidier
Daimler-Chrysler
Catepiller

Remember the engines they produce are worth more than loco use. So don't rule out Grumman, who own Gen Dynamics and their Navy shipbuilding assets.

GM is not dumping EMD because it has no profit potential, it's dumping it because it's not their core business.

[Anonymous]

Likely I am the minority, but I will not be sad to see EMD go. EMD/GM has used too many questionable business tactics and has been too heavy handed over the years. Look up the Justice Department's investigation into GM in the 1960's, a number of EMD violation of accepted business practices were cited along with the many cited in the automobile business. Also look at the Baldwin repair parts business in the 1980's. EMD supplied Baldwin repair parts at a loss to force the remnant of Baldwin supplying parts out of business. Then wtih Baldwin out of the way, EMD stopped supplying renewal parts for Baldwins also. Ethical business practice? I think not. Just another way to try to force the railroads to purchase locomotives that they might not otherwise purchase.

[eolafan]

No matter what happens, in the minds of anybody who has ever seen an F, an E, a F45 or SD45, etc, etc., etc., etc., there will always be an EMD...Long live LaGrange (in our minds anyway)!

[Valleyline]

EMD has been slipping behind GE for a number of years. GE delivers a reliable product that is less expensive to buy, operate, and maintain. The increased price of fuel has certainly not helped EMD in competing with GE. Wherever EMD goes, deep pockets will be required to redesign and build a comptitive product. The big question is, will the market be large enough to support such an investment? Let's all hope that it will be.

[Anonymous]

GE a reliable product? Have to laugh about that.BNSF 4550 a C44-9 a few yrs old,which I had on the point yesterday is already falling apart.Dropped its load numerous times,the inside cab trim and panels which are held in place with VELCRO! are already falling apart.The engine vibrated so much and made so much noise I had to wear ear-plugs.This isn't the exception more the norm for a GE product.Most of the Dash-9's aren't putting out their full load potential,are sluggish,and vibrate so much that in a decade from now they'll be rolling piles of junk.The only reason the RR's buy them is for the fuel savings and lease agreements, not because they are a better product!

[Chris30]

Questions for Valleyline... I just read your opinion of a GE product. What is your assessment of EMD motors in general? Specifically the EMD SD70's? Have you had a chance to run these engines yet? I have heard nothing but good things from UP crews about the 70's. The comment that I hear the most is that they are a newer, bigger, & better version of the SD40.

[Anonymous]

So, what you're saying is that the RR's going with GE is much like the theory that you could sell a box of fecal matter to customers, if the price is right?

[Anonymous]

Only to those in the market for a box of s$#t.

[wabash1]

well i do work for the railroad and i have run just about all the ge junk there is. when things was booming the railroads bought what was out there and at the cost of 2ge for the price of 1 emd thats what we ended up with the ge junk we have is falling apart after a few years and like the engine i had yesterday it wouldnt run. always lossing its load and as you might geuse rattled all the time. most ge engines wont last over 10 years when you have emd units lasting 25 years or more. fuel cost ge will beat a emd on fuel...only becouse if you cant get them to run they cant burn fuel... the just of the matter is .. the cost of buying them is what fueled the rash of dash 9 junk. and now the railroads probley wi***hey waited for something better.

[favuprailroadfan]

To whom it may concern,

I'm not quite for sure if EMD will sell to GE. I just can't see themselves selling out to there major competitor. There are too many people out there will not allow EMD to sell. EMD was here even before GE was a thought in someone's mind. If EMD sells, How bad will it hurt GE? Some railroads don't like GE. Most of them gives business to both. I would say, "**** on GE, give me EMD's or nothing at all." I would take good ol SD7's and GP7's over anything GE has ever put out. So I don't want to see EMD sell, even though it might not consider it its core business. So just don't let GE take them by the nuts and let the monopoly happen.

Just speaking what's on my mind,
Dru

[BRAKIE]

You can always tell a real railroader or even a former railroader by the way he talks and compares the different locomotives.

The best way to tell the difference is a pretend railroader and a arrogant railfan is both will have wisdom,but,will lack the common knowledge of railroading.Both will have much to say while not saying anything..Some have great words of wisdom only because it seems right to their way of thinking regardless of the facts.

[Anonymous]

Well, without getting into politics, which would just stir-up more arguments, all I can say is this. With the benefit of hindsight, we should have seen this day coming, when EMD moved all production to Canada, THAT was the first sign of troubles within. As a railfan, I have always liked EMD's more than GE's. But as a "blue-collar" union man, I'm glad that the company that kept production in the U.S. has come out on top.
Not much more than a decade ago, NO U.S. built locomotives were purchased in Canada. Montreal built Alco's, and London built EMD's. Canada was willing to use our technology, but wasn't willing to allow our workers to construct the product.
Now, before someone accuses me of "Canada-Bashing"
That is not my intention here. In fact I have several friends who live "north-of-the-border".
So I hope none of our Canadian friends will take offense to this post. It is just my opinion of the way big corporations exploit labor.
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

I personally think that Bombardier-Alsthom might be the best hope for EMD. They have a major stake in the export and international market, where EMD is still the market leader. Bombardier has also been quite successful in competing in markets such as commercial aircraft,where it faces competition from much larger manufacturers. And before anyone brings it up,you can't really claim that Bombardier is at fault for the failure of MLW products,the railroads were already turning their backs on ALCO designs.I also think that the Canadian Government has a strong stake in finding a buyer for both GMLG/EMD and GM Defense(also Canadian based,makes the US Army's new light armored vehicles).
The next best hope is probably WABTEC/MPI, but keep in mind that Boise Locomotive's parent company is also a major component supplier to GE.
Caterpillar could be a wild card,they do make the engines for the GP15D and GP20D.

[Anonymous]

It's not really labor they are exploiting there, it's the exchange rate. If they didn't do that, they'd be out of business, as the allready more expensive and better designed SD70M would be twice as expensive if built in the USA, meaning that they'd be 4 times the cost of a GE- and bye bye EMD.

The company is not going anywhere nor is it going to close. It is merely being shopped around (again!) by GM because they really don't want to be involved in non-core markets. Someone will buy it, eventually, but it depends on how much GM wants- if it stays consistant with previous attmepts to sell, no one will bite because of the price.

[favuprailroadfan]

All you are doing is bashing EMD. Well its my turn to bash GE's. They are pieces of ****. Where was GE at when EMD was producing the SD40-2's and all other models. They were busy trying to make a go of it with their supposedly good Dash 7 models. Those are the junk engines. All GE engines are worthless. I am a EMD man, but granted GE does have the top spot. Yes the 90MAC may have been a screw up but I will tell you this. GE's AC6000 ain't much better. AC4400's are OK. IF you are saying put a AC4400 up against a SD70MAC, then do it. But answer me this. Why hasn't BNSF gone with the GE AC's and just the regular DC version, but they have gone with the EMD AC's. Ok, since you are such a big peice of junk fan. How would like to see a GP60 or SD60 go against your B40-8? I think the 60's would take the cake, and have enough time to drink a beer, and by the time they get done, your GE's wouldn't even be in sight.

On the emissions thing, I don't see very many EMD's smoking and belching, and wondering if it should go or not. GE's are the worst smoking loco's I have ever seen. EMD is compleying with Tier 2 emissions passed by the EPA. I haven't seen much on GE conserning this. They just figure, build it, if it smokes its not our problem. Granted GE doesn't require much time to build one. But EMD believes in quality, I would rather spend more money and wait a little bit longer knowing that I would be getting the BEST equipment that can be made by a builder.

GE won't be able to buy EMD anyways because of the government won't allow it. Have you ever heard of MONOPOLY? EMD will not sell to its competition.

LONG LIVE EMD,
LATERS, Dru

[wabash1]

spoken like a true rail fan that has never seen the inside of one of these dash-9 junk. never run one. but to prove it ill ask you a question i dont think you can answer. when you throttle a ge up. it throws a cloud of smoke amd a fire ball. what does the engine do as far as amps, engine rpm, this is only a ge trait and the epa should deadline every ge til its fixed do to the polution they emmit. you never see this out of a emd. i wont even go into all the other times ge have tied up the main line do to electrical and othe mechanical problems you never see from a emd.

[favuprailroadfan]

Dear Wabash,

Thank you for aggreeing with me on this. Everytime I see a GE go in throttle up, I'm like SHE"S GONNA BLOW. Everybody could have one heck of a cookout on top of them GE's. I seen a GE blow a turbo in Run 2. God was that funny. Train was rolling about 5 or 6 mph and BOOM. Yes the EPA should put emissions on GE's EMD's are smooth while throttling up. Sweetest sound in railroading, hearing 5 EMD's in Run 8 pouring their hearts out. Nothing like it in the world. GE's are I THINK I CAN I THINK I CAN. Cough Cough Gag Gag Belch then start all over. Only thing I can say on Ge's is.

JUNK I TELL YOU JUNK,

Laters, Dru

[wabash1]

the only reason im taking so long is if i graduate and move on there wont be any kids that will play with you at recess.

[wabash1]

dru
i had 3 sd60 7800 tons pulling the grade out of the yard 35 mph and gaining speed just purring. ges in the same situation 9mph jerk cough and just fall down. a man that likes ge is affraid of emd couse the emd will pull a train apart ive went from idle to #8 and eventually took off you get there but you could never keep up with a emd

[wabash1]

just as i exspected you have no answer. so it is understood that you are nothing more than a foamer and that you have no idea what you are saying. thats cool and if you need more info on engines and train handling look me up ill give you a lesson on how to run one. real time on the main over 170 miles of track . have a good day

[wabash1]

i dont think the fra will claim that the train ride at disney world is a major railroad. and as far as mmy grammer goes its clear that you understand me or else you wouldnt be trying to annoy me. thats ok its people like you i get a kick out of. and if you was in mechanical forces as we call them here you wouldnt be pushing ge junk. as far as my academic level ( i bet you looked that up in the dictionary) the only thing kept you out of high school was grammer school. but enough of this i really dont care whatyou think i am a engineer and i will give my opinion on things as i want. regardless of what you think. and this is at least the second time you mention train simulator. what is that. and as far as foamers go this is as close as i get to them. like i said in other post. if your trespassing your getting reported.

[Anonymous]

Boy, you two are a piece of work.

[BRAKIE]

msb52,I agree.

[Anonymous]

Hey Pal don't have to prove myself to you.How in the heck can you make outlandish statements without knowing me or who I am.This little boy has been operating locomotives for 25 plus yrs.No I don't own the RR and if I DON'T work for the RR its funny how I get a check from them every 10th and 25th of the month.Before you insult people maybe you should get your facts straight.And if growing up means being a narrow minded,rude,insulting donkey's rear end like yourself I think I'd rather stay young minded.

[Chris30]

Why doesn't the Union Pacific buy the GM EMD Division?

1. They like to buy stuff and take it over.
2. They buy enough EMD units (@1000 70's)

I'm not sure if I'm joking or not.

Chris

[Anonymous]

The only posts I see from you Mr.ptt100 are filled with nothing but invective,insulting comments,kind of like GE fuel injecters,little spits with no substance.Another question for you.What happens when you open the first door on a GE rite behind the cab on the engineer's side?Or how do you reset a low lube oil on a Dash-9?Have many more if you want ptt100.Or better yet ask me!!! Ask away pal!

[Anonymous]

Hey Pallie why don't you take your BS and MS in mech. engineering someplace else and leave this site to REAL engineers and real fans.