K. P. Harrier Sources tell me that an ("an") SD70ACe-T4 was spotted in the Receiving Yard at West Colton Yard (CA) earlier today, around 11:30 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time.
Sources tell me that an ("an") SD70ACe-T4 was spotted in the Receiving Yard at West Colton Yard (CA) earlier today, around 11:30 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time.
1502 is running on the I-5 Cooridor consistantly now. Saw her in Roseville last week, She should be in West Colton, Roseville and presumably Eugene/Albina/Hinkle on the regular.
No idea where 1503 is.
Both 1502 and 1503 now seem to be out of service in Portland.
coopersAnyone have info about MRL? I know they purchased a number of ACe's years ago but they've since been putting the SD45's in storage. Do you guys think MRL would venture into purchasing a few T4 ACe's? I know the SD45's went into storage because of the slowing economy and they're pigs on fuel but was curious what they would do if things picked up a bit.
Their 20 cylinder EMD's have largely been scrapped since the SD70ACe's appeared.
I've read multiple reports in recent months that they've been hit hard by traffic downturns and the decline of coal. Doubt they'll be seeking out any additions, let alone brand new EMD's, to add to their fleet anytime soon.
If it were to happen though, I do not believe that they'd go for a small number of oddballs that have little in common with their existing SD70ACe's. Don't let the model designation fool you. Not even the trucks are the same here, for an example of just how changed EMD's new product is.
We're surely right on the verge of SD70MAC's hitting the used marketplace, for an example of one likely option if they were in need to expand their fleet. A heavy rebuild and modernization of such a locomotive to ACe standards is probably more what MRL would do if they did want to expand their existing SD70 fleet. It's cheaper, provides commonality with their existing fleet, and fits how they've traditionally operated with their motive power decisions.
Not to mention that there are SD70ACe's available right now, with the former BHP SD70ACe's that returned to the US a few years ago the most notable examples. Or what NS is successfully doing with 710 engined SD90MAC's, unwanted by their original owners, today.
All are cheaper options that provide a much higher degree of commonality with MRL's modern road fleet.
Leo_Ames coopers Anyone have info about MRL? I know they purchased a number of ACe's years ago but they've since been putting the SD45's in storage. Do you guys think MRL would venture into purchasing a few T4 ACe's? I know the SD45's went into storage because of the slowing economy and they're pigs on fuel but was curious what they would do if things picked up a bit. Their 20 cylinder EMD's have largely been scrapped since the SD70ACe's appeared. I've read multiple reports in recent months that they've been hit hard by traffic downturns and the decline of coal. Doubt they'll be seeking out any additions, let alone brand new EMD's, to add to their fleet anytime soon. If it were to happen though, I do not believe that they'd go for a small number of oddballs that have little in common with their existing SD70ACe's. Don't let the model designation fool you. Not even the trucks are the same here, for an example of just how changed EMD's new product is. We're surely right on the verge of SD70MAC's hitting the used marketplace, for an example of one likely option if they were in need to expand their fleet. A heavy rebuild and modernization of such a locomotive to ACe standards is probably more what MRL would do if they did want to expand their existing SD70 fleet. It's cheaper, provides commonality with their existing fleet, and fits how they've traditionally operated with their motive power decisions. Not to mention that there are SD70ACe's available right now, with the former BHP SD70ACe's that returned to the US a few years ago the most notable examples. Or what NS is successfully doing with 710 engined SD90MAC's, unwanted by their original owners, today.
coopers Anyone have info about MRL? I know they purchased a number of ACe's years ago but they've since been putting the SD45's in storage. Do you guys think MRL would venture into purchasing a few T4 ACe's? I know the SD45's went into storage because of the slowing economy and they're pigs on fuel but was curious what they would do if things picked up a bit.
This makes sense. You're right, MRL has a history of buying used and upgrading to their standards so I guess this would make sense. Would be odd to see a MAC in MRL colors.
Just in time for Halloween!!
Looks great in BNSF livery too! I'll try to go see one if any are near the Twin Cities one of these weekends.
Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.
EMDX 1504 spotted at the BNSF Tacoma Yard today. Watched it being hitched up to two BNSF Dash 9's and an ACE headed for a southbound run with it being the lead unit. Looks like BNSF is taking a good look at the 6-axel powered model.
Looks like we can say goodbye to at least the EMDX 1501-1505 units. EMDX 1505 was spotted at the Port Of Tacoma Yard waiting for its turn to go over to Tacoma Progressive Rail facilities. Over at Progressive Rail 2 hoods (1 EMD and 1 UP) were outside the paint shop. EMDX 1504 was here last month receiving similar treatment.
Rumour has it that the first twelve EMD demonstrators have been bought by UP and they will use 3000-3012 for them. Now, does this include those painted in BNSF and CSX colors or are there other demonsrators out there in UP colors to fill up those numbers? I understand that 3013 is the first production SD70ACe-T4 for UP under an order of 65 units.
That's not a rumor at all, it's been fact for some months now. They've been owned by UP for most of the year running exclusively on UP rails.
It does not include the units painted in BNSF and CSX colors. UP owns (or will own) the ones in UP colors and the original demonstrator color units.
SooBoy61 Rumour has it that the first twelve EMD demonstrators have been bought by UP and they will use 3000-3012 for them. Now, does this include those painted in BNSF and CSX colors or are there other demonsrators out there in UP colors to fill up those numbers? I understand that 3013 is the first production SD70ACe-T4 for UP under an order of 65 units.
Yes Union Pacific is getting 12 of the Demonstrator units EMDX 1502 - 1505, plus EMDX 1601 -1602, and EMDX 1605 - 1610. These will become UP 3000 - 3011. UP 3012 is the first of the regular production run of 65 locomotives. EMD will keep EMDX 1501 for further testing, and the fate of EMDX 1603 and 1604 is undecided at this time. EMDX 1603 and 1604 are P4 models with only 4 traction motors that are currently testing on BNSF in the PNW. EMDX 1605 - 1606, the last two demo locomotives to enter service, should have arrived on the Canadian Pacific today heading for testing on bulk trains in the PNW. Apparently CN will not be hosting any of these demo locomotives, at least for now.
Do the cabs of these units retain the original "Desktop Control" layout?
CN just received EMDX 1605 and 1606 at Walker LRC in Edmonton today. They will be running the units between Edmonton and Winnipeg. They are beautiful units.
The standard control stand is in these cabs. No desktop control layout.
In transit through Ontario a few days ago:
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=31284
Still in the UP-inspired demonstrator scheme. I will keep an eye out for them when trackside.
There is also a rumour floating around that CN will be leasing/aquiring a big chunk of the CitiRail (CREX) ES44AC fleet, no idea if it's true but we are quite short of power right now.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Time for an update, EMDX 1605 and 1606 have been testing on CN for the past two weeks, based out of Edmonton. They spent the first week together in local transfer service, and made a trip to Jasper and back as the sole power on mainline freights. Since then they have been split up, one (1605 I think) has remained in transfer service around Edmonton, while the other has started to roam the mainline freely.
I have not ridden one yet, but they seem to be doing well so far. Everyone I've talked to who has run one really likes them, they load smoothly, pull well and are very, very quiet. One guy said you could barely hear the engine inside the cab, and the hum of the main alternator was louder than the diesel engine.
Also of note, CN has chosen to rate them at 4600 HP, not EMD's advertised 4400.
Here's hoping they continue to do well and generate an order, we are still really short of power.
ATSFGuy Do the cabs of these units retain the original "Desktop Control" layout?
All our new units, from both builders, for the last few years have the standard control stand.
Jeff
jeffhergert ATSFGuy Do the cabs of these units retain the original "Desktop Control" layout? All our new units, from both builders, for the last few years have the standard control stand. Jeff
What the customer asks for.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.