Are we about to enter 'our participation period' of Railroad History ? A chapter that might be later considered as noted; in the subject title....'The Great Locomotive Purge of 2020' ?
Several article of recent posting and current posting in the TRAINS NEWSwire. Seem to indicate that Change,is definitely in the wind.
UPRR anounces that its Steamers[4014/488] will be on the sidelines, until 2021. Reason mentioned: The effects of national uncertainty in the presence of COVID19, and its effects in upcoming months?
It has also been reported of large numbers of UPRR diesel power, In Storage, on some of its lightly used rural Western lines... Numbers seem to have indicated, variously, of 'a few, to multiples of 100' (?)...Culprit that has been noted for their inactivity: PSR.
NSR has been represented with a couple of articles; in regards to reductions of their previously, announced budget spending levels, of percentages in the 20-25 percent ranges (?) The reason given, was the uncertainy of the Covid 19 virus on the economy, and also might be considered the economic fallout of the Stock prices on Wall Street(?).
Then, there is the story that NSR is going to 'shed' some seven models of older locomotives. Originally mentioned, as a target was some 500 units, off the roster. More recently, that number seems to have crept up to the vicinity of some 700+ individual units(?). Their disposal, has not been completely laid out: To be sold off. or just scrapped(?).
As for BNSF, not recently, there had been some 'mentions' that the line had some quantities of 'stored units', but apparently, no official position on down-sizing of their fleet(?). No mention of effects of the Covid virus, or PSR; even though, the railroad's position on PSR has seemed to be one of 'wait and see'? Mr. Buffet's railroad being a one-owner(?) operation...seems to escape some of the reporting of the other Class 1's(?) Will bear watching.
The one bright spot for the smaller lines, and maybe, the 'museum' lines; could be considered as "opportunities" ? An ability to up grade their fleets, in the former. Or in the latter; donations of 'rarer' model diesels to museum collectons? Also an area to bear watching.
Judging by what I'm glancing at in my e-mail from Loconotes each day, BNSF is keeping busy cleaning house of surplus power and hundreds more are expected to be following.
sampf, where did you see that about the UP steam program? I just now looked at the program's page on the UP website, and I see no mention of that.
Lithonia Operator sampf, where did you see that about the UP steam program? I just now looked at the program's page on the UP website, and I see no mention of that.
Johnny
Deggesty Lithonia Operator sampf, where did you see that about the UP steam program? I just now looked at the program's page on the UP website, and I see no mention of that. See yesterday's Newswire. https://trn.trains.com/news
See yesterday's Newswire. https://trn.trains.com/news
Sho', nuf! Headline was: Union Pacific activities for 2020 Railroad promises Big Boy will return in 2021 > article dated Apr29,2020<
Leo_Ames Judging by what I'm glancing at in my e-mail from Loconotes each day, BNSF is keeping busy cleaning house of surplus power and hundreds more are expected to be following.
Yeah 2 or 3 funeral trains in the last few weeks right?
I think BNSF has been more aggressive than most on this front in the first place. They are also somewhat insulated from the PSR craziness. So They won't have as dramatic a shift I think.
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