What about the SPV 2000´s?

[Supermicha]

In an old issue of Model Railroader, i read about the spv 2000, and that its Name should mean, that it would be in service also in the year 2000. Why where all retired and rebuilt to coaches/cabs in 1986?

Thanks, Micha, Dresden, Germany

[Anonymous]

There were built in the mid-1970's, but due to poor quality control and design they were maintenance problems almost from the start. It wasn't to long before they were being withdrawn and the engines were removed. Its a shame since they were a great follow up to the Budd RDC's (DMU's to you) and they should have been as successful

[Anonymous]

Poor quality indeed. Seems funny that plenty of good old RDC's are still running here and there. Considering that they were built in the 1950's, I would say that the RDC's were a very practical design. As for the "new and improved" SPV's, the old saying of trying to put 20 pounds of $&)# in a ten pound box comes to mind. Just like the automobiles of the 1970's, I think these units were just plain junk.
Todd C.