From what I have read on this discussion and recalling a little news item on this in Trains a few years ago, this is like adding a few bags of sand to your car trunk in the winter time. Doesn't change your car's power rating, but adds weight for better traction in the snow. As any pick-up track or 60's Mustang owner.
My 67 Mustang carried two cement block, sowed into cloth bags by my Mom all winter long. Same as my brother did before he sold it to my 74 (he ordered it new in 66 while on leave in Vietnam from a PX so it had a long history in the family.) I could feel the tires dig-in, just do the hop when I took them out to see the difference.
Same thing here with SD70AC, more weight better traction for the conditions they need to operate. Model Railroaders do the same to add pull power as well.
zkr123Are the SD70ACe's that light that we have to create
This concept doesn't exist because the traction effort of an SD70ACe, ES44AC, and so on is inadequate. It exist simply because it improves upon their already excellent performance.
Nothing confusing about it in the slightest. For a few tons of cheap concrete, they get a locomotive with noticeably enhanced performance with little detriment to wheel life, fuel cost, rail wear, etc.
Guys, can we not have two threads about the same thing?
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