The latest batch of ES44DCs from #7200 to 7504 are due to show up on BNSF’s roster any time now this spring. This explains why SD40-2s in this number series have been renumbered.
So BNSF is buying more GEs, but selling brand new EMDs. Hmmmmmm
And clearing the seven thousand series for the new GE’s? Double Hmmmmmmm. [:O]
Can anyone tell me why?[X-)]
[quote user=“Awesome!”]
[I’ll try not to be too editorial]: There are people on this post who prefer the locomotives made by EMD (the former “Electro-Motive Division” of General Motors, now independent], and those who prefer the locomotives made by General Electric [GE].
These are not the only two manufacturers of locomotives in this country, but they do account for a great majority of the sales.
You’ll see a lot of “friendly” rivalry between fans of one company and the other.
What makes me go “Hmmmm”? It may be more than just a symbolic act if BNSF is selling brand new locomotives and buying new GE’s. Most freight railroads buy locomotives from both vendors, but the high series number and any relinquishment of new EMD motive power would imply a shift to GE as the preferred vendor. Making many of us a bit chagrined. - a.s.
Maybe because BHP Billiton wasn’t interested in any GEs.
BHPBIO bought the ACe’s because they’ve already got them and have a familiarity with them, not GEVO’s
Presumably the ES44DCs were ordered, as were the SD70 ACes before the present turndown in the economy when BNSF felt it needed all of these units.
My understanding is that the ten SD70ACes being sold to BHP Billiton will be replaced and BNSF will take delivery of all two hundred EMD units. BHP Billiton is just taking advantage of BNSF not needing the units right now.
Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals both use GE units but in deference to the high temperatures in the Pilbara, the new Rio Tinto units are larger ES44 DCi units built on longer AC 6000 frames to allow the fitting of larger radiators.
So although Rio Tinto have thirty new units on order, since the BNSF units have standard radiators, ther is probably no interest in taking any ES44DCs that BNSF might be happy to delay taking.
I’m not sure why the radiator size is critical for the GE units while the EMDs seem to be running satisfactorily. The earlier GE Dash 9 units used in the Pilbara had numerous additional vents to increase airflow through their radiators.
M636C
note to self: don’t jump to conclusions before you have all the facts…
end of note…
Is BNSF acquiring ES44DCs because they need to have power for all the run through trains over the CN and the NS?
Andrew
Perhaps, or maybe they just want more power for more freight. Bet UP wishes it had such a problem! - a.s.
No, NS and CN would both have to provide BNSF power to offset that, although RRs are allowed to run balances for a period of time. So for example if BNSF needs additional power for the fall harvest it would run a negative balance with NS or CN for October through December then provide locomotives to NS or CN during the rest of the year to offset use of NS locomotives on BNSF during the Fall Harvest. However BNSF may also be leasing spare locomotives to Eastern Railroads for monetary payback rather than an in-kind payback with locomotives. Both methods are employed to obtain best utilization of expensive assets.