GE hypes AC A-1-A GEVO in press release

[Lyon_Wonder]

In their press release, GE is hoping A-1-A ES44AC4s will replace thousands of DC-traction locos.  That is a tall order, since they’re only 25 ES44AC4 on the rails with BNSF and I doubt too many Class 1s are currently ordering new mainline locos because of the economy.  GE is also pushing new AC-traction passenger power, though I doubt Amtrak will replace their P40/42 Genesis anytime soon. Lorenzo Simonelli, president and chief executive of GE Transportation, thinks their should be a “cash for clunkers” incentive for the railroads to replace their older locos, which of course would benefit GE.  

[Evergreen24]

In the first few years they aren't going to be purchased right away, rather leased to the railroads. Cash up front? Hmm...there's bound to be trade-in's...hope the SD40-2's don't go away.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

While some of it may be wishful thinking, I would view the press release as part of a marketing push by GE Transportation as soon as the economy begins to recover.  The older power currently in storage will probably help handle increased traffic when the economy improves but will be replaced when new power gets delivered.

[edbenton]

We all know the FOAMERS will cry when the last SD40 and SD45 is hauled away for SCRAPPING.  However from the scanner traffic I have been hearing the 6600's on the BNSF are doing better on FUEL and reliablity than even the ES44DC's that were delivered after them.  Why the BNSF is getting the same TE with 2 fewer traction motors same Continous TE on fewer TM and I am seeing them not just on HS intermodals and Stacks either anymore.  They have been trying them on 12-13K ton Grain trains with no issues at all.

[Lyon_Wonder]

edbenton

We all know the FOAMERS will cry when the last SD40 and SD45 is hauled away for SCRAPPING. 

 

Or they could end up being rebuilt with a 710ECO like the KCS ES22ECOs, rebuilt by MPI as MP20Cs with a non-EMD engine Pacific Harbor Line has, or turned into gensets.  IIRC, some of the MPI20Cs reused frames of SD45s.
 

[n012944]

edbenton

We all know the FOAMERS will cry when the last SD40 is hauled away for SCRAPPING.  However

 

Quite a few RAILROADERS will be upset too....

[Bryan Jones]

while the reports from crews on the ES44C4's have been relatively favorable, there have been numerous reports of the units not performing well in heavy haul service and in areas with stiff grades, not performing nearly as well as a normal ES44DC with its 6 traction motors. Doubt GE will be able to sell CSX or NS on this concept, especially CSX where maximum possible tractive effort is the game.

 

Bryan Jones

[fecsd40-2]

I agree with you, CSX likes heavy units that provide lots of TE.  I'd love to see some new 6000 HP ES60AC locos ordered, and I wouldn't mind some 20 cylinder SD80ACes.  If oil keeps going up and the reliability of the big units is the same as that of the 4400 HP units they will be ordered like they've been in China and now India.  I wonder when CSX will order more SD70ACEs?  I can see the UP getting some ES44C4 locos also.