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"Ask not for whom the bell tolls"

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"Ask not for whom the bell tolls"
Posted by ericsp on Monday, May 10, 2010 11:50 PM

I see that there is an article in the current issue of Trains about Modesto & Empire Traction retiring all of its GE 70 Tonners. 

"No soup for you!" - Yev Kassem (from Seinfeld)

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:07 AM

While it's sad to see the little guys go, it's kind of nice to know that M&ET's business has outgrown them.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 9:02 AM

If I recall correctly, these GE 7-tonners were supposed to be 'destroyed' or rendered inoperative by drilling through the crankcase or similar as with the ''Cash for Clunkers'' program, because the units that are replacing them are more fuel-efficient as well and were purchased in part with some government funds for that purpose.

However, the article indicated that there may be some hope for a reprieve of sorts.  Since there seems to be a lack of new small and medium-power diesels - but a surplus of older bigger ones - it may make more sense when viewed overall on a 'statewide basis' to scrap an equivalent number or HP rating of those bigger units, and let these 70-tonners take their place on other short or switching lines, terminals, yards, etc. where they are better sized for the task.  I believe they are MU-capable, so a couple together could equal a larger unit for temporary or special needs, etc.

- Paul North. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 9:51 AM

Paul_D_North_Jr
I believe they are MU-capable...

I believe it was the article in "Trains" where management said that it had gotten to the point where they had to MU all of the active locos together sometimes.  In fact, that was a major factor in their decision.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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