Saw this locomotive mpex 5000 come throught Waxhaw, NC about 520PM as trailing unit behind up 3837, up 9639. Trying to find out was type loco it is. Though it might be mk 5000 but it had flaired radiators like sd45 but had wide cab. If any knows thanks in advance.
This unit? http://www.visi.com/~mfrahm/dme/roster/locos/6axle/SD50-3/dme5000a.jpg
It was rebuilt from ATSF SD45B 5501 by BLW in the late 90’s. Here is more information:
http://www.visi.com/~mfrahm/dme/roster/locos/6axle/SD50-3/
http://www.visi.com/~mfrahm/dme/roster/locos/6axle/SD50-3/5000.html
dstill,
All the MK 5000s work for the Utah Railway and are either grey and red, or G&W Orange and black. They have all been rebuilt with SD50 engines and hoods and are all lettered for Utah.
It sounds like you have seen an SD45 rebuilt with the MPI cab. A number of these were built for DM&E but one “demonstrator” was built as well. I think this is what you saw.
Was it painted dark blue?
The locomotive has been rebuilt with a 16-645F3B engine, as in an SD50, rather than the 20-645E3 in a standard SD45.
MPEX sounds like it should belong to Motive Power Industries.
Peter
Did the plastic surgeon from “Space Balls” design the nose? (Not a serious question)
man,If I saw that from a distance I would say that was an a Alskan
kevin
dstill,
The MPEX 5000 is part of Motive Power’s lease fleet, along with the MPEX1501, and the MPEX6201…the latter two being switch engines, part of the MK1500 switcher lease fleet.
The MPEX 5000 has been down in Houston as last as last week, saw it in Basin yard behind a SD70…and it was in the PTRA’s North Yard the week before, on a grain train.
Last I head, UP had it on lease due to their power shortage, it shows up around here quite often.
Next chance, I will get a photo of it for you.
Ed
Definitely Blue may have had yelloe stripes, it was getting dark. The wide cab caught me off guard or I would had know sd45. Thanks for all the replys.
Any chance any of those might make it through Lincoln on BNSF as a lease? Must print this off and keep it handy just in case.
Dont see why not…
It has shown up on the Tulsa/Port often…I think UP uses it as “pay back” power a lot!
Saw it a few months ago running on the BN, with a Montana Rail Link SD40 leading…so Nebraska shouldnt be to far away.
Last time I saw it, no stripe, just solid dark blue…
Ed
We see MRL through here on occasion and Driver sees a lot of odd colored engines and never gets close enough to see the markings. I will alert him to this!
Oh boy, another reason to go train watching more often! [:X]
Judging by the cab,I would guess to say that it was rebuilt by Morrison-Knuteson
It has the same cab as an MK-5000
I don’t think many of you read my first post… [;)]
All the information about this locomotive can be read here:
http://www.visi.com/~mfrahm/dme/roster/locos/6axle/SD50-3/ & http://www.visi.com/~mfrahm/dme/roster/locos/6axle/SD50-3/5000.html