Shortlines seem to rely almost exclusivly on cast-offs and hand-me-down locomotives from the Class Is. However, it seems to me most modern locomotives are simply to big and too heavy to be handed down to shortlines when the time comes. Without this trickle-down power, what will shortlines do for locomotives?
Still plenty of GP’s left on Class 1’s.
Shortline power doesn’t have to be Geeps either, the Arizona & California owns a few SD45/45-2 rebuilds as well as a few Geeps. The future for some may also be in the Genset switchers. A number of shortlines have leased some, like the California Northern.
Cajon
The ALCo Centuries favored by GVT and others aren’t exactly small locomotives - and they’re pushing 50 besides.
Given some of the repowering that’s been going on, I have no doubt that suitable shortline power (which I think generally equates to 4 axles) will be available for years.
Don’t forget that all EMD SD70, SD70M, and SD70MAC and a majority of SD70ACe and M-2 were delivered with radial trucks that are easier laterally on the rail than GP’s. They can be lightened considerably by reducing fuel and sand capacity to limit axle load to typical GP level which is lighter than 286K freight cars. Their biggest limitation will be the curve they can negotiate coupled to a standard freight car but that can be improved with longer shank couplers.
Dave
I’d say it also depends on the shop forces available to the RR. Look at what the Wisconsin & Southern was able to accomplish (so far anyway) with 2 of the 5 FNM GP38s purchased for scrap value. They are now operable and roadworthy (minus the paint job-but that doesn’t affect the traction motors or prime movers) and from what I’ve seen, quite capable.
Capabilities of shop forces can vary pretty widely and there are also a fair amount of contract shops around for the smaller roads that can’t afford much more than a barebones maintenance facility. Another factor to keep in mind is environmental regulations, both Federal and local.
EMD’s ECO series might be a reasonable option for some shortlines since it’s more of a repowering and upgrade of other systems than a new locomotive. Gensets might be an option for roads that can afford to buy new.
Very true. Any idea on the cost of one EMD ECO repower conversion? What’s a new Genset go for? Last I heard a GP38 (in reasonable operable condition) went for between $250k and $350k.