What ever happened to the possibility of 700 SD70M units? Out the window, or did they do it with out me noticing?? Thnx, Dane
The 700 is just a rumor. They will be adding 100 more this year, 5000-5099. These will be Wings/Flares/Flags. They will have to renumber a few of the DRGW SD50's that are now numbered is this series.
Whoa, last I heard UP was buying 1000 SD70Ms in the 4000 series. Have they got 'em all already? Or was the number originally 700? Also, did they get rid of that many SD40-2s, SD50s, and the like in trade? There's enough SD70s around that I'm seeing 'em in Junction.
The order was for 1000. It is almost filled. There were no trade-ins. All are on lease. And yes they have retired a bunch of units. About the only SD50's left are the DRGW units, 17. They retired most all of the SP, SSW and CNW ones. They also retired a lot of the T-2's anong with SD40-2's.
Ya, I just found the same thing 100 additional SD70Ms in the 5000 series, and they will displace anyhting that is currently there. Bye-Bye SD50s (I believe they are).
Up has to keep the ex DRGW SD50's. They tried to get out of the lease but could not. Have to check what else there is between 5000 and 5099.
The dearly departed would also have to include the SD50s obtained from MoPac. From info I've gathered from other boards, the Mop '50s were worn-out pieces of junk. I do have memories (and a few pictures) of MP SD50s on the point of coal trains thru Topeka, KS in the 1980s.
UP hit the jack pot with the SD70M. That is why the additional 100 unit order. All the 4000 series numbers haven't been filled yet. That will be soon though. Personally, I like them. They respond well and are easy to work on. They are getting some variations to them to keep things interesting for those modelers out there The SD50's that are left are the ex D&RGW units. SP never had any SD50's, those were repainted D&RGW units. MP's SD50's were tired, but then most of the MP units I run are or were. Greg Elems
Harold, A beautiful picture! A quick question from a novice real train watcher: Do all SD-70M s have the slanted radiator grills on the back? I thought I had seen some that were flat on the top, back.
I believe all the latest SD-70's have the flared radiators, and are even built in Mexico? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
UP has 100 on order, 5000-5099, the former DRGW/SP SD50s, will be moved, who knows where, prob. 99xx something. But I am sure UP will order more SD70Ms after these. That is most likely why UP's AC4400CW-CTEs start at 5700. Everything else in the 5000-5699 is being moved to other slots. UP loves the SD70Ms, they are very relieable. UP will continue to order AC4400CW-CTEs most likely also, up to the current lowest number AC4400CW, 61xx something.
