How would you explain this?

[batterymule7]

MU Cables don't power the traction motors.  They are for sending the electrical signals from locomotive functions like throttle positions, feild generator, forward/reverse/neutral headlight set up etc, from the lead units control stand to the trailing units enabling all the units MU'ed in a consist to act as one engine.  The traction motors are powered by the individual units engine & generator/ alternator suite.

The MU hoses which are mounted on the pilot of the engine have a whole other set functions entirely.

[traintownofcowee]

Brand new NS SD70M-2 in transit to NS (why it's on the IC, I don't know!). I've seen a few shipped that way to railroads, locomotives shipped in kit form. Especially to a railroad like NS with their own locomotive assembly shops (Altoona). I caught EMDX 3004 rolling through East Lansing, MI, on CN (most new EMD's come through on CN) wrapped in plastic.

Sounds like that makes sense.

I sure haven't seen anything like that before.

But it sure does look silly.

[DMUinCT]

Looks like the MU cables are connected.  Are the traction moters being used powered off the locomotive to increase traction where more horse power is not needed? (climb a hill with a short train?)

[YoHo1975]

No, the earlier reply was correct, these are Loco kits to be assembled at the Railroad shops, or possibly in mexico. They're coming from Canada. Though PErhaps some parts ship direct from LaGrange.

[chad thomas]

The new custom DODX locos for pulling the shackle cars with.

[Railfan1]

 What???????

[galaxy]

Easy. The aliens did it.

[NS SD70M-2]

They usally have the Sd70Ace's & M-2's coming through durand.

[blade]

it's hard to explain.but it looks to me like only thetrucks and car body of some kind of locomotive,or perhaps the rebuilding of one?this one's got me.

[G Mack]

Greetings,

Could this be some of the KCS de Mexico units going south for final assembly? Read in Railroads Illustrated where they have an order of 100 SD70ACes that are to be partially constructed at London, ON and then sent to Mexico for final assembly at Bombardier's facility.

Gregory

[Railfan1]

ohhh.... Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Brand new NS SD70M-2 in transit to NS (why it's on the IC, I don't know!). I've seen a few shipped that way to railroads, locomotives shipped in kit form. Especially to a railroad like NS with their own locomotive assembly shops (Altoona). I caught EMDX 3004 rolling through East Lansing, MI, on CN (most new EMD's come through on CN) wrapped in plastic.

[Railfan1]

I think it is a new locomotive (SD70M-2) just half built.?

[WCfan]

Looks like a slug or a B-unit. But I bet it is a re-build of some type being carried to the next shop.

[Railfan1]

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=215053