Maersk SDF40

[eolafan]

Have you all seen the pictures of the Maersk painted SDF40 (originally an Amtrak SDP40F), but sub-lettered for BNSF? She sure is pretty in her light blue and silver, a real gem! Too bad these nice motors are being retired and scrapped. It always amazes me to know that these and the F45 and FP45 units are being scrapped when there are GP7 and GP9, etc, units around that are a lot older. Seems to me they could be rebuilt, as did Wisconsin Central, and live a lot longer life of fine service. Your thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Yes,I've seen photos of the 6976,and that's a beautiful paint scheme.

BNSF donated their remaining 90 Class FP45s within the last several years.It will be interesting to see what they do with the three remaining 6550 Class F45s.....

[Anonymous]

The GP7/9 are good for yard service being low hp, they are not used for road service unless they are being moved from one yard to another. The SDP40F, F/FP45 with there full F body will never be used in yard service, and as for road service the F/FP45 and the SD45 with the v20 prime mover are gas hogs and with the price of fuel they will be the first to go. Also with the full F body they are hard to see around and hard and dangerous to get in and out of so for years now they have been used only as B-units. So why keep old B-unit when you can keep the cab units that can lead. then there is the EPA and the tier 1 and 2 standard that any rebuild must meet, for the cost get a new -9 or SD70 that will meet the standard, pull more, use less fuel, and have a safer cab. Just my thoughts.

gwl
http://photosbygreg.20m.com