Ex-METRA F40Cs --Good News! They're not extinct!

[AntonioFP45]

Last news bit on the web is that 9 Chicago Metra F40Cs were delivered to Helm Leasing in another state.

Hopefully these big cowls will be around for a while longer as they're the last units still operating that have the F45 / FP45/ SDP40f body styling. Essentially they're modified SD40-2s under that sheetmetal.

Anyone have any updates or photos as to their current status or wherabouts?

Thanks![:)][:D][;)]

[chad thomas]

I think they are all going to the Kansas City Southern on a nine month lease. They are filling in there short term motive power needs till all there new SD70s arrive from EMD. They will be used as trailing units only. Helm will re-gear them for freight service.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chad thomas

I think they are all going to the Kansas City Southern on a nine month lease. They are filling in there short term motive power needs till all there new SD70s arrive from EMD. They will be used as trailing units only. Helm will re-gear them for freight service.

Thanks for the heads up, Chad.

Trailing units? I can imagine as many engineers are not too fond of cab units due to the restricted rear visibility. Still, it's good to know that they have a new lease on life.[;)]

[chad thomas]

Yea it is. I've always been a fan of cowl units. Mabee they'll make it out to California one day. I miss the ATSF F45,FP45 and SDF40-2s.