Hello:
As the snow melts (or continues to fall), the new issue of Locomotive begins to take shape. Editor Greg McDonnell works his magic to create a compelling line up. What would you like to see us cover? Topics in technology? A certain locomotive model? Feature a certain railroad with a unique fleet? I'm interested in hearing from you. Also, we are excited to be putting together our first Locomotive DVD with Trains' "Locomotive" columnist Chris Guss.
Thanks for your time.
Angela Pusztai-Pasternak, Production Editor, Trains Magazine
Some ideas-
Gensets didn't work. EMD 4-axle yard locomotives are aging, and safety cabs can't be adapted. What next for yard power? ECO rebuilds or...?
Export locomotives- What have EMD and GE built since 2000 or so (when the traditional G and U/C series production generally ended), and for where? What are their current export models?
Along with that- NRE rebuilds and new locomotives built to EMD G-line specifications- what and where?
Siemens Chargers- who and where, and different specifications between the units as well as coverage of testing- ie Brightline nose cone and CADOT rear Bilevel fairing.
How have the Tier IVs fared so far?
Locomotive rebuilding programs at BNSF/Progress Rail and Norfolk Southern.
Modern locomotive production phases.
NorthWest pretty much ran the table! 8 ball in the corner pocket and that's game!
The only other item I could think of is "why Tier 3 Credit units?"
It would be of value to shed a little light on what must be a significant cost savings and perhaps a mileage efficiency difference or anything else that entices locomotive buyers to snap up any Tier 3 Credit units they can get their hands on.
Discussion of what it takes to get to Tier IV and specifics on increase in fuel consumption. The various buillders had been making incremental improvements in fuel consumption over the last few decades and with Tier IV are taking a significant step backwards.
erikemDiscussion of what it takes to get to Tier IV and specifics on increase in fuel consumption.
Let me add to this: have someone at Trains independently confirm by just how many fractions of a percent the EMD attempts at non-SCR compliance failed to satisfy the standard 'as written' ... and how many g/hr of additional NOx, adjusted for typical operation and use of a 710-engined locomotive (most use almost certainly falling within standards) is actually involved.
I'd also like a technical report on the testing of CECX 1919, or on the practical freight use of high-horsepower Cummins engines in road service.
I second the motion for an in-depth article on the Siemens Charger family and its pedigree from the Sprinter. Then again, I may be just a tad biased...
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
RME erikem Discussion of what it takes to get to Tier IV and specifics on increase in fuel consumption. Let me add to this: have someone at Trains independently confirm by just how many fractions of a percent the EMD attempts at non-SCR compliance failed to satisfy the standard 'as written' ... and how many g/hr of additional NOx, adjusted for typical operation and use of a 710-engined locomotive (most use almost certainly falling within standards) is actually involved. I'd also like a technical report on the testing of CECX 1919, or on the practical freight use of high-horsepower Cummins engines in road service.
erikem Discussion of what it takes to get to Tier IV and specifics on increase in fuel consumption.
I would guess that the 'Heavy Engine manufacturers' and Locomotive builders would be pounding the table for their relief from the Tier IV compliance deadlines(?) and their own 'relief'. As the EPA looks to getting its powers, and monies cut back in the new Federal Budget.
Thank you for your responses so far. I will share them with the team. Please keep them coming! Some are already in the works.
stats on how the new 1010 EMD engine is working in sd70ace-t4
would also like to hear from crews actually running it on how they like it and if it works well for them.
NorthWest Some ideas- Gensets didn't work. EMD 4-axle yard locomotives are aging, and safety cabs can't be adapted. What next for yard power? ECO rebuilds or...? Export locomotives- What have EMD and GE built since 2000 or so (when the traditional G and U/C series production generally ended), and for where? What are their current export models? Along with that- NRE rebuilds and new locomotives built to EMD G-line specifications- what and where? Siemens Chargers- who and where, and different specifications between the units as well as coverage of testing- ie Brightline nose cone and CADOT rear Bilevel fairing. How have the Tier IVs fared so far? Locomotive rebuilding programs at BNSF/Progress Rail and Norfolk Southern. Modern locomotive production phases.
The export units were on my short/hot list.
About the only thing missing would be a looong article on the small/industrial builders like Republic (RX500) and Brookville. There is some good material there if you can get it. (The RX500 looks so much like a for real Hustler)
Such great ideas here, everybody. Please know that we are continuing to read your comments. Expect to see some of these as part of our content, not only in Locomotive, but also the "Locomotive" column in Trains.
Here's wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Ang
LensCapOn The export units were on my short/hot list.
Someone really needs to write a book on American export locomotives as information and pictures can be quite difficult to find... I am thinking about it as a very long term project but we'll see.
+1
Since the issue has some "Where are they now?" features, why not finally put to rest the speculation of the current disposition and condition of the last two RF16 Sharks?
Last reported to be in a locked engine house on the E&LS, will I ever get to see these classic Raymond Lowey designed carbodies see the light of day?
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