For those that live in the Chicagoland area, some have proobably noticed the absence of METX 614...and some of you saw it lying at Western Avenue for a time. But don't fret. Be glad. Both F40C units will be equipped with new 710 prime movers, which are seen in the F90PH locomotives on Caltrain. 614 is currently being worked on at the Rocket House.
Wouldn't an F90PH have a 265H engine?
I think you mean F59PH.
I would assume they're getting ECOs
I think Metra's regretting scrapping the rest.
Blue Alert! We're at Blue Alert! Aw crap, it's a nondescript GEVO... Cancel Blue Alert!
The F40C's predate the F40PH's and their weight and six-wheel trucks restricted them from a lot of lines. After Metra took delivery of the MP36's, they became surplus power.
The F40Cs were build for Milwaukee Road...they didn't plan on having them operating on other lines, so they put six axles on them knowing they could take the turns and bridges of the MILW with ease.
Now it sounds like the MP36s are costing more to operate than the F40Cs, not to mention they break down more.
Nice to see there is still a few cowls still in operation. I am not sure why they felt the need to replace most of the siding with grills. A/C power is the main reason these older locomotives are being retired. A/C power is far less headaches. They are probably keeping those F40C's alive to use up the remaining inventory of parts they ordered for them. Putting in the 710 engine (although nearly identical to the 645) will keep them around for a good 5 or so years.
In related news, F40C 614has seen his final run and is now going to be used for parts for F40C 611. No 710 prime movers will be put into either locomotive...the final days of the F40C are finally coming to a close, and when 611 has another major breakdown, it'll be the last one, i assume.
The 710 engine really has nothing in common for parts with the 645 power plants. Both the bore and stroke are different. A 567 block can have 645 power assemblies inserted as the stroke is the same. Even though the bore on a 645 is larger, the entire assembly will fit into a 567(BC or later block). A number of upgrade programs used 645 'power packs' inserted into 567 blocks.
The MP36 units have re-manufactured 645 power plants. The MP40 has a 710 power plant.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernier The 710 engine really has nothing in common for parts with the 645 power plants. Both the bore and stroke are different. A 567 block can have 645 power assemblies inserted as the stroke is the same. Even though the bore on a 645 is larger, the entire assembly will fit into a 567(BC or later block). A number of upgrade programs used 645 'power packs' inserted into 567 blocks. The MP36 units have re-manufactured 645 power plants. The MP40 has a 710 power plant. Jim
645 to 710: Bore is the same. Stroke is 1" longer.
645 x 11/10 = 710. 567 to 645: bore was 1/2 more, stroke was the same.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Um, I'm pretty sure the 645s in MP36s are not re manufactured. They are new 645F blocks built by GE.
Don,
You are exactly correct(what I get for not proof reading my fast typing). The point I was trying to make was due to the long stroke of the 710, there is not an easy power assembly swap possible like the 567 to 645 upgrades. Thanks for keeping all of us honest!
jrbernier Don, You are exactly correct(what I get for not proof reading my fast typing). The point I was trying to make was due to the long stroke of the 710, there is not an easy power assembly swap possible like the 567 to 645 upgrades. Thanks for keeping all of us honest! Jim
C engines and up!
The possible upgrade would have been removing the 645 block entirely and putting a 710 in. I think the 710 would bolt right in, accessories bolt up, etc., to be emissions compliant and such.
My reference shows the F40C weighing 361,000 pounds, so they would be right about 60,000 per axle, a bit lighter per axle than the 4-axle passenger power. The longer rigid wheelbase works against them, though.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
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