Trains.com

Any Railroads Rebuilding/Modifying Locomotives Besides NS and BNSF?

1799 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    November 2014
  • 134 posts
Any Railroads Rebuilding/Modifying Locomotives Besides NS and BNSF?
Posted by JoeBlow on Friday, January 29, 2016 12:58 AM

Do any railroads currently have rebuilding programs besides NS and BNSF?

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • 1,864 posts
Posted by Leo_Ames on Friday, January 29, 2016 5:45 AM

CSX has an active Dash 3 program that is rebuilding GP38-2's, GP40-2's, and SD40-2's.

Besides being overhauled, they get new cabs, a new microprocessor based electrical system, electronic handbrakes, auto-start, and are PTC-ready. 

When done with the SD40-2's, the plan was to then continue with the SD50-3 program. But with the economy down and coal traffic down, that perhaps may not happen now since we all know this stuff is subject to change.

And as far as I'm aware, Union Pacific's SD40N program continues that is rebuilding SD40-2's for a 2nd time for continued service. They get the NEXSYS control system, are rewired, receive overhauled engines modified to meet CFR Part 1033 emission standards, are prepared for PTC, have their existing cab upgraded and refurbished, and components like traction motors are reconditioned.

They've also rebuilt GP15's and MP15's to N standards recently with NEXSYS and I assume some other upgrades like meeting Tier 0+, although the data out there for these isn't as complete as their SD40N program. Unsure if any were outshopped in recent months or are slated for 2016.

Not aware of Canadian Pacific or Canadian National doing anything, beyond perhaps some more Eco rebuilds of SD40-2's in 2016 for CPR. KCS is still doing some Eco rebuilds and there was just something in the newswire about that. And Amtrak is rebuilding their dual mode Genesis fleet.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • 1,864 posts
Posted by Leo_Ames on Friday, January 29, 2016 6:16 AM

I may be mistaken about KCS, since I can't track anything down about it.

Edit: Found it, it was in the most recent issue of Trains. KCS had two GP38-2's rebuilt to GP32ECO's late last year with 3,000 HP 12-710 engines at their Shreveport shop. It states that these are the first of several to be repowered in this manner, so they should get some stablemates during 2016. 

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy