not exactly a model RR topic but I assume these will be modeled. Saw a TV commercial during CSI tonight from GE about a new loco that will revolutionize train engine technology, be more efficient, etc. Anyone have more to offer on these?
Those locomotives have been around for a while already. Their Evolution-series of locomotives (also known as GEVO). The two most popular GEVOs on the rails right now are the ES44DC and ES44AC.
The word from the train crews are kind of mixed though… Some like the Gevos, some hated it… Complaints I’ve heard include that it’s got a real slow pickup due to the engine limiters trying to make it run as fuel-efficient as possible. Then there are the inevitable teething problems that happens with any new line of locomotives, etc.
I don’t know if I have seen the same commerical you have, but the one I saw, starts out, Its May 10 1869 and everyone is gathering to celebrate the completion of the Transcontinental railroad and drive the golden spike and the narrator is going on about how great a revolution that was but everyone wished for one thing A cleaner locomotive. and then here comes the ES44AC Demo unit coming down the track and he goes on to give a quick blurb about the Evolution Series, and then the familar GE slogan of “Better things for life”
Its a really cool commerical and the only one I wish I had on DVD.
James
Saw that one last night…
Actually, I belive the commerical refers to GE’s under development hybrid road locomotive, which look outwardly like the GEVOs.
https://www.getransportation.com/general/locomotives/hybrid/hybrid_default.asp
Nick
I like the part where all the coal smoke goes everywhere and the old coots are dusting the coal ash off of themselves. It’s not particularly true to that extreme, but if you’ve ever riden behind an old coal burning steam locomotive for a very long time, your clothes are blackened with coal ash. If you ever get the chance to ride behind one…don’t wear a white shirt…It won’t be white anymore after the train ride is over…chuck