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Metra approves $91.1 million locomotive rebuild contract
I sure hope they have the bugs from the first batch we got worked out! Note to Metra: PLEASE leave the wider access doors on the engines instead of the narrow ones that were put on the first batch of rebuilds. It is harder to get in the cab with the narrow ones, not to mention most of them did not seal worth a darn and leaked cold air in from the outside right from the get go. Maybe electronic bells instead of the cartridges that constantly have to be replaced?
Great news, at least if my math is right, 11 F40PH-2 will be rebuilt leaving 30 ugly winnebagos around, I was hoping theyd rebuilld all the original F40PH’s. I think the new locos will not be easy on the eyes, if history serves me, still good news
How were the old E-9s by comparison?
I would guess the BN E units would have been built in the 1950s and retired in the 1990s, but I don’t know for certain.
The E units were heated with hot water off the engines cooling system, so they could get very cold. The doors, if seals were in good shape , were good, but any unit you climb up the side is bad in the winter. The units were wonderful to ride in with their six wheel truck, which the F40’s are not except on very good track. I wish Metra good luck on the next rebuilds and I am happy I am now retired. Let it SNOW!
At Austin: Ironically I grew up with those E-8’s & E-9’s, I lived in Little Village, right behind the Racetrack on Karlov ave. When I saw the “new” F40 PH on other tracks thru out Chicago I didn’t like them, I thought the old E’s were better looking, lol. 37 yrs is a short time ago.
Kraz! Best brakeman I ever had. How is retirement? I need to find you one of these days after work.