Reports say that the train that replaced 277 (the one that runs down the Elgin Sub) takes six days to complete its journey (twice as long as 277 journey) and that it routes over the Iowa Northern, as well as through Marquette. Any ideas as to why?
ALSO: Rebuild program has been reinstated, but the SD9043 MACs are still up for sale. Be on the lookout for those SOO SD60s, cause they’re soon to be rebuilt.
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The train that replaced 277 (on whatever railroad, it really doesn’t matter): does it serve the same terminals and does it carry the same blocks? Train schedules are always being altered - not just to make something fast, but to alter who carries what where.
And apparently whomever owns these 90mac43s doesn’t think they are good rebuild fodder.
All attempts to make more money than they are now. The world does not stand still, and railroads have been slow to realize what worked 5 years ago isn’t as efficient as it could be today. However, they are getting better at that and have invested big bucks in computer modelling software that allows them to try something theoretically before committing to new ideas on how to do things.
The railroad is the Canadian Pacific. Trains 276/277 were replaced by trains 470/471 operating between Rapid City, SD and Chicago, IL. Trains 470/471 also replaced another pair of trains that operated from Mason City to Sabula, IA. Trains 470/471 do not carry the same blocks as were previously carried by 276/277. Only the Rapid City and Huron blocks on 471, and the Chicago block on 470 is the same as blocks on their counterparts. Total running time will improve when CP sells the western portion of the original DM&E.
You beat me to that analysis. That and there are now two SOO SD60s left. All the rest are either rebuilt (CP 62xx series) or in the process of being rebuilt.