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Conrail SD-50 question.

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  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: USA
  • 165 posts
Conrail SD-50 question.
Posted by rf16a on Friday, December 19, 2003 10:52 PM
I recently purchased an Athearn Conrail SD-50, road number 6818, that includes metal sun shades.

Did Conrail SD-50s have sun shades?

So far the photos I've seen of them would indicate "no".

Also, are SD-50s still in service on CSX or NS?

Thanks.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 21, 2003 5:51 AM
I thought most if not all US locos had sunshades fitted? I've never seen a photo of a modern diesel without them!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 21, 2003 2:03 PM
Most of Conrails road units did not have sunshades. Some yard and local units due such as the GP-38's. This may be due to cost saving and clearance issues. Why they put them on the modern engines with tinted glass is baffling. Some of the SD-50's are still at work for NS and CSX but many have been returned to their lessor.
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Athens, GA
  • 549 posts
Posted by Dough on Sunday, December 21, 2003 3:44 PM
Umm, I have a picture of one in ballast service for NS, but I am not sure what a sun shade looks like. Can you tell me what I'm looking for?
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Philadelphia
  • 440 posts
Posted by michaelstevens on Sunday, December 21, 2003 5:15 PM
They (the sunshades) overhang the cab side windows, like a small canopy.
British Mike in Philly
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,474 posts
Posted by ndbprr on Friday, December 26, 2003 11:09 AM
they are above the side windows and look like this \_____/.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 7:58 AM
I like in eastern Pennsylvannia so I can help you. My brother saw I photo of #6816 in Diesel Era (with CSX numbers) bound for the BNSF for leasing without sunshades . NS still uses SD50s alot but they are expected to be retired soon. By the way how does your SD50 run?
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: USA
  • 165 posts
Posted by rf16a on Sunday, December 28, 2003 12:18 AM
Thank you all for your responses to my question.

dougal:
My SD-50 runs good. Very nice mechanism. Smooth and much quieter than older Athearns.

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