So I get the reasoning for a lot of railroads to use larger locomotives instead multiple locomotives in the steam era, but why did the the Union Pacific continue the trend in the diesel era? With the ability to MU diesels what was the advantage of the big double-engine units? It seems to me they would be in the same situation as articulated passenger cars and train sets, if there is an issue with 1 prime mover then the other one will go to the ship too. Granted, I like these big monsters, but I never understood the reason for them.
Good Luck, Morpar
There's a little insight into UP's reasoning at the Utah Rails site:
https://utahrails.net/articles/up-dd35.php
and...
https://utahrails.net/articles/up-dda40x.php
Hope that helps, Ed
I remember a few old modelers referring to the DD40 as a "Diesel Big-Boy".
Did anyone besides Union Pacific own anything like these?
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Entering Omaha from Iowa on Interstate 80, this display is on the hill right beside the highway.
A Big Boy and a DD40 on display. It's worth a stop if you are traveling that way. It's visible from the Interstate, but it's about a five minute trip getting off the next exit and going back through a neighborhood to get to the park.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
gmpullman There's a little insight into UP's reasoning at the Utah Rails site: https://utahrails.net/articles/up-dd35.php and... https://utahrails.net/articles/up-dda40x.php Hope that helps, Ed
Very interesting information! I found it particularly interesting about the study saying it cost an average of $7,000 per year no matter the particulars of a diesel. Now the strategy makes perfect sense! It would be interesting to see the UP revisit the idea with maybe the workings of an SD90. Perhaps with span bolsters again but this time use 3-axle trucks under them.
SeeYou190 I remember a few old modelers referring to the DD40 as a "Diesel Big-Boy". Did anyone besides Union Pacific own anything like these? -Kevin
The only other cutomer for twin engined main line hood unit locomotives was Southern Pacific. In 1977 I was with some friends at Colton yard south of San Bernadino when I noticed a DD35 as second unit on a transfer working. I hadn't seen the lead unit clearly.
We headed out to chase it and stopped on one of the many bridges in the area.
The train had two units, A GE U50 leading a DD35B.
Sadly my black and white camera had developed a shutter problem and the photos were unusable.
I did get two slides, however.
SP owned three U50s and three DD35Bs, but that was it, the only units not owned by UP.
Peter
M636CSP owned three U50s and three DD35Bs, but that was it, the only units not owned by UP.
Thank you for that information.
Fascinating how they were MU'd with U50s.