It seems like the Rio Grande really liked geeps, GP40s and GP40-2 in particular. I've heard that traincrews sometimes didn't like 4-axle power as they were slippery than the 6-axle SDs, but here is the "mainline thru the rockies" and they seem to love them? I know they had their fair share of SD40s, 45s, and tunnel motors, I'm just surprised they had so many 4-axle units. I'm curious if anyone could elaborate on what the Rio Grandes strategy was or what their thoughts were on motive power? Kevo
Short fast trains. The D&RGW pioneered low tonnage priority trains, and powered them adequately enough for track speed on the ruling grade. The famed Railblazer trains were models of the concept. The 4-axle hotrods were found system wide, coal trains included, but their primary assignments was to move tonnage fast and efficiently. The GP-series units were designed for fast, low tonnage service. The 6-axle units can be used in this service, but not as efficiently. All that extra tonnage does not go up the hill for free, and costs additional fuel.
Note for accuracy- the Grande had ZERO, repeat, ZERO, SD40 units. Their model, to the number of 73 operating bodies, were SD40T-2 models- a proven and collaboration built prototype between EMD and SP; needed in mountainous tunnel districts for pusher (helper) services and high horsepower dragging coal. The Geeps, from First Gen. to last (piggyback order for replacement units of 3 only GP60s) served the various eras as 'unit locomotives' like original F were organised, to adhoc tag on, tag off power units for all kinds of services, including mass helper operations. The Geep40 were staples of the 2nd Gen. for modern railroading. When Hi-Adhesion braking and power control came along with -2 electrical control systems, services, they too were employed in large numbers. From 2nd Gen GP30 to the end there were 156 Geeps, prior to that units were not consecutively number so you can't just count the biggest to the lowest numbered unit. 103 of that total were new GP40 (Jan1966); new GP40-2 (Apr1972) and second-hand GP40 (in service Nov1983). Some research has shown these were no random events or purchases, but planned and very pragmatic operational needs met by a very effective purchasing and management scheme. Regards dave
Don't forget snowsheds! They had some ventilation--until the heavy snow covered them. Odd that there was never a Geep tunnel motor...
That is interesting that they didn't have SD40s at all, I guess they were buying 45s instead for the power. I know they had some SD7 or 9s, but did they have anything in between the SD9 and SD45s and tunnel motors? There actually is a tunnel motorish geep, although the D&RGW never owned one, the GP15-1. Kevo
Only MoPac's version. The MP had an interesting package of custom touches on that one; it would be interesting to read what the rhyme and reason behind them might have been.
Kevo, There was no EMD 6-axle unit on the 'Grande between the SD9 and the SD45. They did roster for a short time 3 Krauss-Maffei hyros, beore they went to SP in the mid 60's. Until the SD45 came out in '67, F units and early Geeps ruled the D&RGW roost. A very few Alcos and other diesels made it to the roster, but were the exception, not the rule. Roster here: http://www.drgw.org/data/
Interestingly, while we railfans and models make a BIG distinction between SD40's and SD40T-2's, I've read that sometimes the railroads still refered to the tunnel motors as SD40's when specifing power units for trains. Operationally the SD40T-2 and SD40 were the same IIRC for purposes of tonnage etc, so this makes some sense. Interestingly, while there are generalizations about why these diesel models were purchased and for what purpose, I have noted in photographs in my sizable D&RGW library of books, the Rio Grande often didn't respect these "rules" of SD40T-2's for coal and geeps for short fast freights etc. Very often I have noted coal trains being pulled by GP40's and freight trains using SD40T-2's. Just take a look at photo's in RC Farewells Rio Grande: Ruler of the Rockies, or Ron C Hills Rio Grande West and many other books. It just goes to show you how pragmatic the D&RGW was with it's power.
