Most modern big power isn't meant to be run backwards anymore? Tell that to NS, look carefully and you'll see ditch lights on BOTH ends of shiny new SD70ACEs and ES44ACs, I saw one on a local west of St. Louis, MO not so long ago, long hood lead with half a dozen cars in tow. Some habits die hard, I guess.
Interesting perspective on the aviation front. Yes we do wonder if a plane that doesn't fly is really a "plane". I note in the UK they don't always have the money for planes to fly but they like to start them up and taxi them around. Would that be like having a small fire in the firebox and some smoke and steam exiting at all all the usual places on a steam locomotive? Still, anything "old" has historic value for those who didn't live through that particular era and lots of fond memories for those of us who did. I'm all for saving things (just ask my wife) and at least cosmetically restoring them, but prefer to see them in operation and I try and donate time or $ where possible to help out with particular projects I like. Remember, its always easy to sit back and dream or complain about why this or that doesn't get done, but if you make an effort and get and out and do it, it will get done!
Maybe not "F" units as such, but what about cowl type car body's to protect all that emission control equipment from the elements. It looks from the pictures of new teir 3 and 4 compliant designs, there is a lot of "stuff" cramed in those narrow hoods. Would heat build up be a problem in such close confines?
Tim
To Jumper: Yeah, the question "if it doesn't survive to fly does it really survive at all?" is really a rhetorical one. Most aviation fans are realist enough to know if there's only one left of any historic aircraft type, or very few of same, the wise thing to due is ground 'em and put them in the care of an aviation museum. Why take chances? Once it's gone it's gone for good.
What about CAT/EMD's new F125 that they are selling 10 of to Metrolink. It has a semi monocoque frame like the original "F" units and a enclosed carbody. Other than that its all new as a high speed passenger locomotive.
Just a comment about F units and switching. What difference would using a remote control make?
The locomotive engineer would get wet in the rain, freeze in the snow, and not be able to enjoy the air conditioning in the heat.
Let's see what else.
Rgds IGN
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