BNSF Power Question

Trains Magazine Locomotives
1

Over weekends now, for several months;I’ve noticed a westbound 'merchandise train[mixed car types]. The train seems to arrive in this area each saturday, in the middle of the morning. Mostly. I have caught what appeard to be the same power (?)on eastbound trains on sunday afternoons or evenings(?).

The power for this particular move seems to be yard types {GP38-2’s (?) engines. An unusual move through this area[ main 3 Eldorado sub] . The usual power provided is GE’s, and a smattering of EMD’s. For the COFC’s and TOFC’s, and various comodity unit moves. So the use of those GP type’s stick out to the casual observer. This morning there were 3 GP 38-2 and the fourth unit was equipped for RC [ the flasher lights on the cab, and support gril were give-aways(?)].

Very occasionally, one can see a ‘GP type’ running ‘back in the pack’ behind a learer unit. {possibly enroute ot another assignment(?). Which is why this GP powered train sticks out.

*Are they running those GP engines to put on miles, and engine time(?). *I would suspect that in Yard Use they would get a high amount of low RPM engine time(?). *Do they ‘need’ to run them on the road ‘to blow out the build-up’ in their systems?

Can anyone provide some answers?

2

Going to Argentine for their regular 90-120 day inspections from outlying points I suspect, from somewhere where an outlying switch/roadswitcher job is on their scheduled day off?

3

Where is the Eldorado sub located??

4

KANSAS

USUALLY PART OF THE EMPORIA SUB THESE DAYS (EL DORADO-WELLINGTON) as they continue to consolidate

5

I am in NS territory. There is a small yard near me where 3 locals are based out of M - F and 4 GP38-2s are used for the local power. They are brought down to a larger yard for servicing and then returned to the yard for their Monday morning duties. You are probably seeing the same type of thing where you are

6

If these were units going for inspection, they wouldn’t be the only units running on the train, BNSF would have the big power in the lead still. I would expect this to be some sort of transfer run, or a “local” train of some kind.