Reports are that CSX has purchased an ex-MARC GP40WH-2. The unit is ex-MARC 69, and is numbered 9969. It appears to be for track geometry trains.
If the price was right and this frees up a freight motor for freight work then more power to them.
Makes sense. Standard 645 internals, plus HEP. The only oddball aspect is the cab and who cares about that on a track geometry train.
Also, it appears they kept the gyrolite and no ditchlights. It used to be if you had one you didn’t need the other.
Does CSX still roster the 2-3 F40PHs they bought from Amtrak? The GP40WH-2 would be mechanically quite similiar, would it not?
Sort of. CSX does have the F40PHs, but their HEP is from an alternator off the prime mover; the GP40WH-2 has a small generator for HEP. It can probably be considered in between the F40PHs and standard GP40-2s, having high speed gearing but a standard 645.
They still own the four F40PH’s that they acquired for business train power.
wow
They bought a Passenger GP40 to be able to test at higher speeds and make it dedicated to the Geometry Train.
Eric
They bought it for its HEP capability. Cheaper than buying new or converting an existing locomotive.
All locomotives CSX uses are able maintain maximum freight track speed.