I live in Seattle Washington and have noticed lately that BNSF has a large group of old geeps lining up about 1/4 mile South of Interbay facilities next to the National Guard post. Does anyone know if these units are in storage or being retired? Or are they getting lined up for new paint. Just inquiring.
Pete
The GP-38 was (is) a very good locomotive, it ranks right up there with the 40 series engines
it would probably be worth re-building, four of these things coupled together will move any train
on the rails today, better quality than the locos
being given us today,jackflash
Don’t know for sure but if my area is any indication (Chicago metro) they are very much alive and well, with many working the Eola switching yard, and some in “new” Heritage I paint scheme.
These units may have their leases expired or about to expire or it could just be a downturn in business.
The business cycle is definitely slow now. I also read on another message board that the shop forces at Interbay, Topeka, and West Burlington were cut back because of the locomotive fleet was newer and needed less repairs. This means that fewer and newer locomotives are doing what work there is.
Dont know about those units, but UP and BNSF still use the heck out of them down here in Texas, those things are about as tough as a SD40, put three or four mu’ed, and you can pull just about anything. Low on creature comforts, but built to work hard. Still see a whole bunch in Santa Fe’s blue and yellow all over the place.
Ed