O.K., my last post showed the "last" D9-40CW, so I looked through my pictures and found the "class" unit: # 8889! Harold
It is not really a class unit, it was the first widecab. NS had these same units in standard cab, but GE told them if they wanted anymore in standard cab they would have to pay more. GE was using the wide cab now as the standard. So NS continued the number series.
It is and is not the class unit. As you pointed out, it is the first widecab. It is still basically a D9-40C, however since NS classifies them as a different class due to the cab (D9-40CW) I figured that was good enough for me! Besides, I feel luck to ave caught the first and last unit in that large class of units. Harold
nice pic chessie!!! isn't it hilarious that the NS had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into widecabs! pay more or you get widecabs!! to be honest, I like both d9-40c's AND d9-40cw's Ed Dillard
Seems like NS has to be dragged into anything new. For some reason, they like to be the last cow in the herd to leave the barn. Steam, high short hoods, running long hood ahead, spartan cabs, bag toilets etc. NS hangs onto anything outdated until it costs them a ton of money to keep it longer. I'm sure I won't live long enough to see AC traction unless it beomes a more expensive option to special order DC.
Caught the "class" unit again, this time on the point of a train. Train was unoccupied, awaiting a crew. Interesting sidings and trackwork in the photo too. Harold
