I live in Tacoma Washington, not far from the CEECO locomptive repair facility. Today I drove past and saw an MRL sd-45 in fresh paint!! I thought MRL was retiring the sd-45’s. Info?
According the the article in the June 2005 issue of Trains they are going to lease them out.
That would explain why I keep seeing one over here in Pittsburgh helping out NS.
Actually, they are not retiring all of them.
Gabe
It would be nice to see that high-nose ex N & W SD45 MRL’s using as a B-unit eventually sent to a museum. It’s probably a long shot, but imagine that locomotive on display in a coat of “Pevler blue” paint and N & W lettering. [:D]
Speaking of high nosed NS units, one just passed through the diamonds at Rochelle easbound on the lead of a short “junk” train on the BNSF.
Always great to see something to break the monotony of seeing the same locomotives day in and day out. And in the lead position no less.
MRL will retain all the SD45s that have been upgraded by the MRL or the SP to -2 standards. Some of these units have been upgraded with Q-Tron computer systems as well. These will be used on the MRL where necessary, they will be leased to other roads when possible and they are always for sale at the right price. If you think the MRL 680 with the high nose should go to a museum NOW is the time to approach the MRL since this unit has not been upgraded with -2 electricals and will leave the roster probably at it’s next major mechanical failure.
I would believe the same holds true for the four F45s in the fleet. I don’t expect the MRL will donate any units since the price of scrap steel is up.
I’m on the board of a small Local railroad focused Historical society here in Ohio ( Our 501-c3 is pending)
If anyone had insider contacts with the MRL, and would be willing to help, there is a real possibly, that if somehow Donation and transportation could be managed. I could provide 680 a permanent home.
It would be our first piece of equipment, and it would have to be a static display, but in a historical context it would be terrific, as it would be back on home rails.
Aaron W. Gonya
Fostoria Rail Preservation Society
I thought I understood that the reason MRL, and WC could keep their SD-45’s in good running condition for so long was because they maintained them well, and could keep a close eye on any developing problems. Wouldn’t leasing them out be just asking for problems?
Same, saw it too.
When is MRL getting the ACes? And is that one loco in the photo (the one that was beat up) going to be retired or leased?
I thought I might Bump this one back up.
I have just sent a letter to the operations dept of Montana Rail link,
I really hope this locomotive is still on the MRL property,
Below is my letter,
Van Blakely
Montana Rail Link
Mr. Blakely
I hope this form of contact is not inappropriate,
I am on the board of directors of the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, a 501c3 Not for Profit corporation in the state of Ohio.
It has been brought to my attention that you are the owner and operator of locomotive number #680 ( Former N&W 1758) We believe this piece of equipment to warrant eventual historic preservation, and would like to see it as the centerpiece of our future museum here in Fostoria. As such, when it has reached the end of it’s economical service life with your company. We would like to discuss i’ts possible purchase or donation.
Thank you very much for your time,
sincerely,
Aaron W. Gonya
Director, Fostoria Rail Preservation Society
Assistant head, Department of projects
nklplate@tds.net
At this… I am kicking off my effort to see MRL 680 (ex N&W 1758) returned to Ohio, and saved for static display. We are allready a 501c3 Not for Profit. We are the caretakers of Fostoria’s 1881 NYC ( T&OC) Depot, and we are working towards the creation of a railpark, or viewing platform, in or near the iron triangle area in Fostoria.
I am going to follow up my e-mail with a phone call later this week and see if I can get any more news, and I’ll keep the board posted
Good for you - hope they’re willing to negotiate! I saw that loco in the Trains magazine feature on MRL and thought it definitely deserved a good home after retirement.
I hope they keep some of their F45 units (one of my all time favorite models) alive and operating.
Nothing lasts forever so I would think that leasing out the SD45’s is a way of wringing the last bit of income out of them before they wear out completely. There is a point of diminishing returns where you start spending more for maintenance and getting less out of it. The alternate to leasing would probably be keeping them in storage, which doesn’t contribute to the bottom line.
The company runs the MRL SD45’s constantly through the BNSF fast track.
The company runs the MRL SD45’s constantly through the BNSF fast track.
Tacoma!! The MILWAUKEE ROAD!!! Hey I bet there is a grassy area near there where the milwaukee road use to have the Tacoma yard and shops. Sorry if this is a little off topic but I really like the milwaukee road.
Someone should contact MRL about preserving one of thier F45s as none have been preserved so far.Several FP 45s have been preserved,but no F45s.
I hope were able to preseve MRL 680 myself. Any reply from them?