The last locomotives introduced by the major manufacturers were the GE ES44DC/AC and the EMD SD90MAC/-H. What else can be introduced? Will there be an EMD SD100MAC or GE ES100DC/AC? What about the Geep series? Will there be a GP70/80/90MAC? Who knows!
Actually, the SD90MAC-H is a 1995 design. The latest EMD locomotive is the SD70ACe/SD70M-2. Other designs will be produced if there is railroad demand for them.
The SD90MAC-H and AC6000CW had problems and left a bad taste in the mouths of railroads, which is why we're at 4300/4400HP units in the SD70ACe/M-2 and ES44AC/DC units. As for 4-axle locomotives, if the railroads have a demand for more NEW high-power 4-axle units (the last ones were variants of GP60 or B40-8), I am sure the builders will introduce one. That may be far off though, as there are plenty of existing high-power 4-axle units which can be rebuilt. One problem with high power 4-axle units is they tend to be slippery on the rails with heavy drags.
Yeah, 4 axle units have fallen out of favor though the EPA regulations are creating a rebuild rush. Even EMD sells a Tier 2 710 drop in kit for older engines. Most of these are being dropped down to 2000HP.
It used to be that Short fast trains would use 4-Axle which is why ATSF bought the GP60Ms and 8-40BWs. Now though, it seems that short and fast is out and long and fast is in. So 6 Axle power gets the nod.
Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."
The Missabe Road: Safety First
Hmm...okay. 6 axle units are better than 4 axle in terms of long trains.
I just have to ask, what is a MK1200D?
The MK1200D was a Morisson Knudsen designed 1200HP switcher. I believe it had a cat Diesel in it. It also came as the MK1200g with LNG as the fuel.
Neither sold particularly well and I'm positive you can't buy them anymore, so I'm not sure what the poster means. They look similar to a green goat or an EMD GP15D (not the GP15-1).
MK became MPI (motive power industires) which merged with Westinghouse Airbrake to become Wabtec.
They make the MPX passenger locos
There never was an "MK1200D" offered ny MK (which became Boise Locomotive,MPI,Wabtec). The MK1200G used a prime mover which was derived from the 16 cylinder CAT 3500 series engine which powers the MK/MP/2000d. Instead of being a diesel compression engines these locomotives have a spark plug ignition system and burn LNG (i.e they are not dual fuel).
The 12 cylinder MP1500D and 16 cylinder MP2000D (also marketed by EMD as a GP20D) are still offered by Wabtec..
"I Often Dream of Trains"-From the Album of the Same Name by Robyn Hitchcock
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