Were or are the F59’s used in freight service and by whom?
No, the F59s were only purchased by passenger railroads. Metrolink and GO are some of the only operators with standard F59s, most other units are the streamlined versions, F59PHIs.
Some former passenger locomotives do end up in freight service, I guess some are more suited to it than others. An F59 from what I’ve seen would probably have to be modefied to be a freight engine.
The F59s would be easier to convert than some. Just swapping the gears and removing the HEP generator, plus changing a couple minor details like cab details, wiring, etc. It’s already got the end and side walkways, which is one of the biggest factors.
A bunch of ex-Amtrak F40PH units have been converted to freight units, except in that case they had to cut back the nose to fit a nose walkway, and it still can’t switch cars (by law) because of the lack of side walkways.
The F45’s were used in freight service and I am sure that they switched cars at some point NO side walkways on them (COWL units).
Why can;t the F40PH’s switch cars? When was the law changed?
Exactly which “law” would that be?
The F59’s are probably still too new to use for freight. It has not been unusual for comuter lines to lend their engines to freight companys on weekends when there is a shortage of power, but usualy the older models.
Right now there is no shortage of power. When the F59’s become older and less desirable by comuter lines and if a shortage of freight power developes , i don’t see why F59’s can’t be used on freight power even if it’s less then ideel.
E units have been used for freight trains so why not F59’s ?
I don’t know the name of the law, but I remember reading an article in the TRAINS Locomotives column about how some of Amtrak’s F40PH units were converted to freight service by cutting the nose to accommodate a front walkway.
I’m pretty sure the article said something about switchers needing side walkways so that the engine crew could see the ground crew better. I could be mistaken though. Anyone know the answer for sure?
Well the CP and CN switch with 'Barns" all the time…
The reverse is true too. Several former NS freight GP49s were converted for commuter service with Tri-Rail in Florida. Then there’s the MK-rebuilt commuter GP40s for NJ Transit. NJ ordered several GP40 rebuilds from Bosie in the early 90s to augment their existing GP40PHs. IIRC, the MK rebuilds have components taken from F45s.
Title 49–Transportation
CHAPTER II–FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 231–RAILROAD SAFETY APPLIANCE STANDARDS
i have used those for switching and trust me it not against the law as your not riding them anyways, the biggest problem with those engines are climbing up the side with your grip trying to get in it.
Which says nothing about mandatory walkways…it says if a locomotive is used in switching service, it must have “switching steps” at each corner.
That would explain why the F40PH’s rebuilt for Canadian American had their noses bobbed and a front platform installed.
Just before their retirement, a number of Amtrak F40PH’s were leased to UP for freight service. If memory serves me right, their traction motor gearing caused them to be restricted to intermodal trains only.
Carbody units can be used for road freight, but not for switching, unless it has 4 corner stairways.
UP was gone use the F40’s in a 3 engine consist with F40 taking middle.
As for FRA , a MUed set of engines is considered one engine identied by lead unit.