I've noticed that as well. ANd, between you, me, and the fencepost, I;ve heard from other engineers that would just as soon see the older SDs junked than to ever run one again- apparently after time, they've turned into rattletraps. Again, it's who you talk to. As for theories, we're all just tossing stuff out, and one line of thought is about as good as another. Which makes for some pretty good discussions, come to think of it.
I've been thinking about past conversations, with those who ride the head end. I can't think of any, who dislike having an SD40-2, which is in decent condition. Naturally, any worn engine can be unpleasant. One UP conductor friend, always gets really excited about those "babies." And posts photos. He keeps video and still camera in his grip at all times. Boxcab E50
What were the unit #'s of these locos Does anyone know what the unit numbers were and does anyone have pictures of these MAC-H2s that the KCS owned or where I can find them.
Never ran a 90, but I did shunt the big junkers around in galesburg when I was a hostler. UP is a no frills on their power kinda place.I have run some of heir SD 60's that were JUNK! I ahve also run some Dash 9's of theiors that were JUNK and a half! I like older power,give me a good 40 and get out of the way!But I have had a SD 40 of B&O heritage that I swore was going to flop on its side cause the shocks were non existent. Lets talk software. Those little geeks with pocket protectors are sitting there admiring their delicate stuff and never once goin out on a motor to see what the conditions are.So when I have 10,000 tons of train and I am rolling along I want it to do what I want it to do. If I set a minimum it had better perform! If my train make up is spotty ( read lazily done and all my light cars are in the lead) I dont want to set a minimum and all of a sudden theres a 26 pound set and everything is crashing in and jackknifing everything. So from my perspective I will run anything thats good. I like the ES44's and 70 Ace. But if its not working you will NEVER get an engineer to like it.I dont want to be stranded out in the middle of nowhere listening to someone one the phone walk me through 4 different options to get us moving again.We did get a KCS grain train with their new GE's. One wound up dying and gave up the ghost so in Davenport we put some SD 40's on it and sent it north. Might be getting a ton more KCS here soon! One I am going back on the board (FINALLY) and we are getting a ton more KCS traffic. Wooo wooo chooo chooo.
