Modern day set of A-B-B-A units

[rockymidlandrr]

Over the past 2 weeks I have seen on Norfolk Southern's old AGS South District a true set of ABBA units with GP38-2 bracketing the two B units on the inside.  Havent been able to tell what type of locomotive the B units were yet.  I do know one of the GP38-2s number is 3008.  I have seen this consist twice on the road and once sitting in Norris yard in Irondale.  Last time I saw them it was today and I finally got to see the unit number, but I would like to know more about this consist.  I hope someone can help fill me in on it.  Thanks

[arkansasrailfan]

Are the B units shorter than the A units?
I don't remember NS having B units.
Or maybe I don't know and let somone else add their suggestion.

[MILW205]

 

Were the B-unit hoods full-height?  If not, it could be two mother-slug sets put together:

http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=150526&nseq=0

 

[rockymidlandrr]

Yes, the hoods were shorter, by maybe 2-3 feet, but the difference between the GP38-2s isnt that great.  The B units do have the hood of a slug unit, and on top of the hood there is a boxed tower where there is a radio antenna for remote control operation.  The B units are shorter than the GP38-2s in length too.  I just thought I was rare to ever see them go past me doing 55 though.  I'll keep my eyes peeled for them and try to get a picture of this unusual consist but would still like more information.  Thanks.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

The NS 3000-3070 series is ex-Conrail GP40-2's.  3003-3006, 3008 and 3009 are equipped as slug mothers for RP-E4D slugs rebuilt from GP9's and GP18's.  NS 3071-3089 are rebuilt from various N&W 1300 series GP40's and are also equipped as slug mothers.  See Chris Toth's site for more details:   http://www.nsdash9.com/roster.html

You probably two slug sets back to back.  ATSF/BNSF has run GP60M/GP60B/GP60B/GP60M sets in matched Warbonnet colors. 

[arkansasrailfan]

FYI for anyone, BNSF is the only Class I with B units, all the others have slugs, and CSX has GP30s converted to slugs and cab control.

[Phoebe Vet]

I hate to advertize my ignorance, but what is a slug and what is a slug mother?

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Short answer:  A slug is a former locomotive that has had its prime mover and generator removed and replaced with ballast but retains its traction motors.  It may or may not have a control cab.  The traction motors draw their current from the main generator of the slug mother.  A slug mother is a locomotive with electrical modifications that allows it to provide electric current to the traction motors of a slug.  Such a combination is usually found in low-speed service where extra tractive effort is needed, such as hump pushers, heavy switching, mine runs, etc.

Yard slug cut down from a GP9;  http://trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/SWMT/1053CSX-yn3.jpg

Road slug rebuilt from a GP30:  http://trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/RDMT/2211CSX-yn3.jpg

Slug mother:  http://trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/GP40-2/6424CSX-yn3.jpg

 

 

[rockymidlandrr]

I thought they would be motherslug/ slug sets, just hoped that they would be true B units converted from older engine frames.  As stated above, they are usually found in yards, but how often on the road.  Is NS that short of power in Norris Yard?

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

C&NW was probably the first road to use road slugs in the early 1970's.  Standard practice at the time was a GP35/slug/GP35 lash-up for trains on the Huron line (now DM&E).  Track conditions restricted speed and tonnages were relatively heavy so slug sets were practical in that particular service.  SCL used U36B/MATE sets for local freights and phosphate trains.  CSX seems to use its slug sets for local freights, mine runs and transfers.

[rockymidlandrr]

Thanks yall for the information on this.  Even though its not a true ABBA set, it still loooked cool doing 55 down the tracks.

[da Milwaukee beerNut]

Coming soon to the Wisconsin and Southern the only operating E9 6-engine A-B-A trio in the US. The UP heritage trio 949-953-951, which made Operation Lifesaver appearances across the midwest in summer of 2007, are run with single prime movers.

WSOR 101(former 10A), 102, & 103 (former E9A 10C)

103: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=209211

[Lyon_Wonder]

BNSF does have GP60Ms and GP60B cabless units.  Back in the ATSF days, these units were often lashed up into A-B-B-A sets on the transcom.

[Anonymous]

BNSF does have GP60Ms and GP60B cabless units.  Back in the ATSF days, these units were often lashed up into A-B-B-A sets on the transcom.

About a year ago I was pulling into the yard and a southbound train departing had a B40-8W, GP60B, GP60B, GP60B, B40-8W. The dash 8's were still warbonnetts and the GP's were heritage. Figures I didnt have my camera with me that trip and of course I havent seen a consist like it since.

[Paul3]

If you want a pic of a modern "real" A-B-B-A set:

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?200801021754004015.jpg

And heck, here's a shot of an A-B-B-B-A set:

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?200711291515357435.jpg

The Providence & Worcester bought these former BN units a few years ago, and typically uses them in coal train service.

Paul A. Cutler III
************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
************

[South IL RRer]

Now hold up here...A-B-B-A consist on the Norfolk Southern...and its not the executive engines?

 Sorry, that sounds like a dumb question.

[Anonymous]

That NS executive train is real handsome looking. Is the second A unit finished yet? When Trains did a writeup on it in the last issue of Locomotive it wasn't done yet. Also in the current issue of Trains is an article on the KCS A-B-B-A set and they are handsome as well. Bob

[bdh]

Here's a link to a recent photo of RP-E4D slug #931.

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=52233

What I find interesting is that, unlike any other slugs I've seen, these still have the dynamic brake blisters.  Does anyone know -- do they really still have dynamic brakes?

Also, from a modeling standpoint -- I'd like to know what the roofs typically look like on a slug but haven't ever seen a photo of one.  Anyone know where I can find a top view?