Got to work with an MU'ed set of the BN's Genset locomotives, the 3GS21B...#s 1225 and 1244.
Used them to flat switch Thursday morning, and on a local move where we pull and spot a few refineries and plastic pellet plants.
Have to say they were somewhat spartan in the cab, but the things do kick cars quite well, they loaded up a little slow for me, but once they got up there, best turn you hat around!
They weigh in a 268000 lbs, ride on Blomburg trucks, and when all three engines are running, they pull really well.
Pulled 24 loaded covered hoppers up out of Oxy Vinyl Pasadena, on a short 2% plus grade through a hard curve, and they didnt miss a beat.
And they are really quite, even with 2 of the engines running in each unit, they were a lot quiter than any other diesel locomotive.
Not real sure the technology will hold well to the rigors of flat switching, but we will see.
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Thanks for that report and insights from the 'real world' and workin' rails, ed.
- Paul North.
Ed,
Are you stsill a "Ground Pounder"? Your description of the units almost sounds like you're reporting from the right seat.
Still pounding rocks and pulling pins...with the way things look, I will retire still doing that.
I can run a motor though...and I like to keep an eye on the power so I can plan our moves better.
If you already know what your locomotive can do, you don't get yourself in trouble later on.
Nothing like shoving spot cars down in "the hole" only to find out you don't have the power to pull the outbound loads back up, makes for a long day.
The Gensets are rated at 2100 hp each, MK1500Ds are 1500 hp each, both have anti wheel slip programs...the MK1500Ds load up faster, but the Gensets have better pulling traction once they load.
ED,
Did you get my messegae about UP 1989? D&RGW unit?
No...my hard drive crashed...got it patched together but am missing some programs and apps...
Where is it at, Settagast or Englewood?
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