Union Pacific is investing several million dollars in technology, facilities, hardware and equipment to clean its locomotives. New wash racks – including some that recycle water in areas where the natural resource is scarce – are improving the way dirt and road grime are removed from the units. Keeping a locomotive clean is more than just a maintenance item. "The locomotives pulling a train are Union Pacific’s calling card, because they tell everyone who we are," said Ben Crandall, manager-facility planning. The project began in 2004 with research to determine the most effective and environmentally friendly way to wash locomotives. In early 2005, a prototype run-through wash rack was installed and tested at the Roseville service track. Following these tests, equipment and design specifications were developed. The new wash racks use a three-phase system in which soap is first applied to the locomotive, followed by a "blaster arch" spraying high-volume, high-pressure water, removing the soap and dirt in the second phase. The final step is a fresh-water rinse occurring in the final rack. The entire process takes around two minutes. During the first half of 2006, the Mechanical Department upgraded the North Little Rock and Fort Worth locomotive wash racks. Hinkle, Roseville and West Colton were to have new, state-of-the-art wash racks and water recovery systems operational by year-end. In 2007, new wash racks will be constructed at Proviso Shop in Chicago and Settegast Shop in Houston, with Commerce in Los Angeles, Englewood in Houston and Denver to follow in 2008. Additionally, extensive testing is under way to develop an environmentally friendly cleaner for use in the wash racks. The new soap was expected to be in use by the end of 2006. The focus on washing locomotives includes a video detailing the proper procedure for hand washing units. Existing wash facilities are located at service tracks, where the locomotives will be washed every time they are refueled. Locomotives will also be hand brushed every six months when they are shopped for scheduled maintenance. These investments should significantly improve the cleanliness and appearance of Union Pacific's fleet.
Judging by photos seen this last year, of rolling mud bank decorated engines, any wash racks will be kept very busy. If ever installed. mg: Boxcab E50
It is nice to see the changes coming down from the new president. It is nice to see that he is takig pride in the railroad once again and trying to gain back a positive image. Got our model trains back, coming soon clean locomotives, now we need them to ease up on us railfans!
I still prefer the idea of taking the folks out of the department that was responsible for trademark fee extortion, putting 'em in the yard at the engine houses, giving 'em a bucket of soapy water and a long-handled brush, and tell 'em to start scrubbing. Would be the most work (and quite possibly their first honest work) since being hired on by UP. Ms. Mainwaring, your bucket and brush are ready..........
I wonder if there is a special formula that the railroad requires for their soap? Why wouldn't regular car wash soap work? Perhaps the stuff they use to wash aircraft? It doesn't make sense for them to spend R&D dollars when products are already on the market- and for the kind of volume that UP would do in washes any major soap manufacturer would be more than happy to formulate something for them.
Not sure what they use, but if they're trying to be ecologically proper, I wonder if it's a biodegradable formula. It also has to be strong enough to dissolve the dirt, diesel exhaust, and other grime that collects on a locomotive, and even more so on locomotives that are used on tunnel-heavy lines. Actually, I'm very glad to see UP washing its locomotives again. Clean diesels show some pride in the company, and with the American flags on so many diesels, it shows some respect to our flag as well. Sorry SP fans, but this is one SP practice I won't miss (washing diesels)........
Sure will be nice to shoot clean diesels again.. Then again, with UP's fleet size, and washing a couple dozen a month at each shop, that still will take several months to get each one.......
I wish they'd pay for the a car wash after the mud puddles I went though today touring the yard for my next part of training. Makes those dirty loco's look spotless.
Aw comeon- my Durango doesn't look any better than after it's coated in mud- then again, I tend to do that ON PURPOSE.
You'll have to make them watch the "video detailing the proper procedure for hand washing units" first...!! (Wonder if it shows you the wrong way to wash a loco???) Seriously - it's good for a railroad to take pride in it's appearance, much as I like "weathered" loco's as a railfan it can't be good for their image.
