Are Prototype 4-axle Locomotives No Longer Produced?

[Bapou]

F40PH’s have a platform on the back but not the front is this ok for a switcher considering that no one has to stand on the front?

[N737AA]

Ah a reserected thread…gotta love it!

Mike in Tulsa

BNSF Cherokee Sub

[WSOR_3801]

It is much easier to have steps and platforms at both ends. Some of the F40PHs rebuilt for freight service have had front platforms and steps added.

When switching, the ground man stands on both ends in the discharge of duty. Usually you want to stay in view of the engineer, so he can see where you are, make sure you are in the clear, etc.

[mustanggt]

All this talk of 4 axle units is making me wonder…What will the MBTA purchase to replace it’s older locomotives? I’m no expert, but I can think of two that they might possibly buy:

More rebuilt GP40’s

MPI MP36’s, the same as Metra, Caltrain, and New Mexico’s Front runner service (and GO transit?)…

Dave

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

All this talk of 4 axle units is making me wonder…What will the MBTA purchase to replace it’s older locomotives? I’m no expert, but I can think of two that they might possibly buy:

More rebuilt GP40’s

MPI MP36’s, the same as Metra, Caltrain, and New Mexico’s Front runner service (and GO transit?)…

Dave

MPI has the suburban locomotive market virtually to itself, and has a good track record with the MP36/MP40 series. I would think that MBTA will probably go with new power from MPI.

[Anonymous]

This issue is one I know I’ve heard discussed about what will be avalible for Shortline railroads in the future. The problem is, many of the Shortlines have trackage that can’t handle 6 axel power, and some are beginning to wonder where they will be able to get their power in 25 or even 15 years when they need new locomotives and there are no hand-me-down 4 axel locomotives that are any newer than what they already have. It will be interesting to see what happens down the road.

Noah

What will happen is the short line will be abandoned, or a state or local government will fund improvement of the track.

S. Haod

[R_T_POTEET]

And here I always thought that it was because of a one thousand horsepower-per-axle mechanical limitation. BB truck units are limited to four thousand horsepower; CC truck units are limited to six thousand horsepower - and that is where the threshold stands today.

I would, however, prognosticate that some future developement will allow that threshold to be raised; and it is likely that, if the railroads have a need for such, they will put pressure on the manufacturers to develope a new line of BB locomotives. As an alternative there is always China; imagine being able to buy a GP80 at your local Wal-Mart.