Rumor has it both Central California Traction and Modesto & Empire Traction are looking at purchasing some slugs sometime soon. METs fleet of 70Ton GEs are getting worn out even though they recently got four more. Heard that emissions are also a problem so they are looking to get "newer" switchers such as second hand SW1500 and a couple slugs to go with them to be at least Tier 1 compliant. This is also supposed to be able to handle heavier loads while using less fuel as they now use 4 or 5 70Tonners at a time. Havn't heard much on the CCT side except that sometime next year they may have slugs paired to their SW1500s at the Port of Stockton.
Hope they can survive such mandated expenses. Any hint as to where they are looking for these slugs? Boxcab E50
The past few years, UP has shed quite a few SW1500 units. Many seem to have gone to leasers, and short lines. Boxcab E50
Will these be new frames? Salvage from scrapped units? The trucks will come from...? Curiousity! Boxcab E50
I'm not an expert but to me, 609 doesnt look too bad. They are switching to bigger power anyhow so maybe she wont get repaired.
