return of ''B'" UNITS ?

[IbanezGuiness]

I caught one a few years ago :)))

 

[MMLDelete]

I have always, from when I was a young kid, been fascinated with covered wagon B units. Actually, all B units.

IIRC, the massive UP twin-engine diesels were originally brought out as B-units (to be used between pairs of more conventional 6-axle units). Then later on came a cab version. DDsomethings.

[kenny dorham]

Well, the OP saved me from starting a "B Unit" post of my own :-)

I have been looking at some of my (train) Photo Books and, like always, the B-Units really catch my eye. Like a caboose, the B's are something that a photographer no longer has access to. I wish that both were still in abundance, but i understand why they are not used anymore.

At 60 years of age.....i lament the loss A LOT of things :-(

[guetem1]

Mr. Murphy is a busy little guy around railroads, units are often swapped between trains on line, we're having enough issues now with some units having PTC equipment installed and some coming off the dead line not. we often need replacement lead units, having a cabless unit available is counterproductive

[BaltACD]

cv_acr

 

daveklepper

But this would reduce flexibility in assignments and may mean that the B-unit doesn't get as much use over a time period, thus negating the economy of leaving out the cab.  Hostler controls would be needed on most Class 1s for maintenance moves.  But there may be cases where it would be pratical and efficient. 

That ^.

Modern engines can be used in any position - lead, trail, DP. Specialized "B" units are great in concept but trail-only locomotives reduce the number of leaders available.

'B' units reduce the utility of the locomotive and transform it into a underperforming asset.  It can't lead.  It can't be a single engine train.  I note that the roads that ordered 'B' units, to save on the equipment necessary to have a operating cab have stopped the practice.  With locomotives in today's world being an assett that exceeds $2M to purchase the carriers want every possible minute of utilization they can get.

[cv_acr]

daveklepper

But this would reduce flexibility in assignments and may mean that the B-unit doesn't get as much use over a time period, thus negating the economy of leaving out the cab.  Hostler controls would be needed on most Class 1s for maintenance moves.  But there may be cases where it would be pratical and efficient.

That ^.

Modern engines can be used in any position - lead, trail, DP. Specialized "B" units are great in concept but trail-only locomotives reduce the number of leaders available.

[Leo_Ames]

I imagine the manufacturers would be supportive.

In healthier times they started asking for a markup to leave the cab off, successfully driving away as planned the small amount of B-unit business that was redeveloping in the 1980's.

But I'm sure today that they'd view a special order as a blessing rather than a pain, and price the product accordingly to reflect the savings of leaving the cab off rather than deliberately attempting to discourage the customer. 

[daveklepper]

But this would reduce flexibility in assignments and may mean that the B-unit doesn't get as much use over a time period, thus negating the economy of leaving out the cab.  Hostler controls would be needed on most Class 1s for maintenance moves.  But there may be cases where it would be pratical and efficient.

[tomytuna]

Now that i see more class A RR using mid train helpers (DPU) and tail end units...why hasent a mfgr come out to make a "B" unit again. no neeed for "cumfort". Just remote controled like in hump yards. Could save money both in the mfgring and cost to end used. (the RR) just saying !