sandboxes on VIA F40's

[THayman]

thanks for the info...

it just seemed kind of odd to me at first, since I had in mind that sand was often essential, or at least a great help, in either snow or icy conditions, which VIA has to deal with frequently...but apparently, they can make do without. Who knew? 

[Boomer Red]

      Well I asked around on the VIA SIG site and it turns out it's true and apparently it happened quite some time ago! Theres even talk that the new Genesis type engines are lacking sanders as well but it is not confirmed. Seems like the guys running VIA really know what their doing!

[Boomer Red]

     I can't see them having this problem as the sand boxes are mounted above the frame and welded to it as far as I know. I am curious now though so I'll check around and let you know if I hear anything.

[THayman]

I recently heard rumored from a friend of mine that VIA Rail removed all of the sandboxes from it's F40's after an accident in which one of the sandboxes dropped out and badly damaged the underbody of the locomotive. Apparently, he ws infomormed of this by a VIA crew member when on board the Ocean limited, and was stuck for a length of time because they couldn't get the locomotive moving in the snow and ice...

Does anyone know, first off, if this is true, or have any other details about this?