Little more than the shell remains of the original GE locomotives. They're on average only about 10 years old where the mechanical and electrical systems are concerned.
A few points-
The first four of these units will be those constructed in 2012 which were intended for Qube in Australia, but were not delivered. I've seen this attributed to a cancelled order and an NRE speculative build, but can't confirm either.
The last six are supposed to be SD40 rebuilds on new frames to avoid Tier IV. Not sure how they're going to get that to work.
They'll ride on Bradken 5650 trucks, which were originally a Montreal Locomotive Works design.
WP&Y is now owned by a cruise ship firm. I don't think they expect freight anytime soon.
The existing DL535s and shovel noses are aging, but parts should be readily available. The E3000s should make things easier/cheaper, however.
Miningman Mining activity in the Yukon is solid. Exploration has curtailed somewhat after a number of banner years. https://cambridgehouse.com/news/7950/five-mining-companies-that-are-growing-in-the-yukon I don't think the White Pass and Yukon is involved in hauling ore at this point but never say never. Things can turn on a dime.
Mining activity in the Yukon is solid. Exploration has curtailed somewhat after a number of banner years.
https://cambridgehouse.com/news/7950/five-mining-companies-that-are-growing-in-the-yukon
I don't think the White Pass and Yukon is involved in hauling ore at this point but never say never. Things can turn on a dime.
Most of the products in the linked article seem high value, like gold , platnum, and copper cathode, which probably are worth trucking out. No mention of the Faro mine, whose lead-zinc concentrates used to be hauled by the WP&Y. Is that mine beyond revival?
rdamonNo nose door as well..
I don't see any steps or hand-holds on the nose. Would it be SOP to use a ladder for maintenance on lights, etc.?
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
NDGMaybe the Geoligists have located another Ore Body??
A few years back, a mining company near Whitehorse wanted to move some ore (iron?) to Skagway. It would have involved reopening the north half of the line. However, the company that at the time controlled the line, was only interested in the tourist passenger traffic. Also, proposals for rail lines to Yukon mines always seemed to call for the standard guaging of the White Pass line.
Electroliner 1935 What I'm curious about is why they bought locomotives with outside walkways. All their units have been cold weather covered wagons
What I'm curious about is why they bought locomotives with outside walkways. All their units have been cold weather covered wagons
Their original GE diesels were covered wagons, however their MWLs were road switcher type. What is suprising is that even thought the newest units are 1/3 heavier, they are on 4 axles instead of 6 axles. I guess they upgraded their track and ROW.
EDIT: It occured to me that maybe those are shop trucks, maybe even SG.
Maybe the Geoligists have located another Ore Body??
Ask M. M .
Thank You.
No nose door as well..
Looks like they are called E3000CC-DC
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bl262000/6416578577/
The White Pass route has grades of up to 4%. It takes A LOT of power to haul even light narrow-gauge passenger cars up a mountain like that.
As Balt alluded to, the White Pass locomotive roster is currently composed of old GE and MLW units, the newest of which is nearly 40 years old. Locomotives do have long lifespans compared to other heavy equipment, but White Pass is due for a fleet renewal.
The new locomotives will be expected to run reliably for 20-30 years, and White Pass has now intention of slowing down. This justifies the investment.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Fred M Cain Group, This may have already been reported here but if so, I missed it. The WP&Y is buying ten new powerful locomotives. This was reported last month here: https://skagwaynews.com/2020/02/10/wpyr-spends-millions-on-larger-more-efficient-locomotives/ There's something funny or odd that strikes me about this. Why would they spend that kind of money on tourists? It seems to me they might actually have an ulterier motive or plan up their sleeve. Does carrying tourists warrant that kind of firepower? Hmmmn. Interesting thought there. Anybody have any ideas? Regards, Fred M. Cain
Group,
This may have already been reported here but if so, I missed it. The WP&Y is buying ten new powerful locomotives. This was reported last month here:
https://skagwaynews.com/2020/02/10/wpyr-spends-millions-on-larger-more-efficient-locomotives/
There's something funny or odd that strikes me about this. Why would they spend that kind of money on tourists? It seems to me they might actually have an ulterier motive or plan up their sleeve.
Does carrying tourists warrant that kind of firepower? Hmmmn. Interesting thought there.
Anybody have any ideas?
Regards,
Fred M. Cain
I imagine that keeping a 60 year old motive power roster costs a lot of both money and manpower. Much of their passenger load arrives on Cruise Ships - those vessels cost a lot to operate and have schedules to keep - a locomotive breakdown that causes passengers to return to their cruise ship 8 to 12 hours later than scheduled won't make the Cruise Lne Operator very happy - especially if it happens more than once every few years.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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