I understand that BNSF is receiving a few hundred new GE’s in 2004, a mix of Dash 9’s, AC4400’s and the GEVO version of the AC4400. Now that EMD has completed (or is about to complete) the most recent orders for UP’s sd70M’s, NS SD70M’s and CSX SD70MAC’s, what else is on EMD’s order books for 2004? Has anyone ordered or signed up to test the new SD70ACE’s (another thread reports GM 70 is in Chicago today at or near Canal St. yard, presumably getting ready to go west on a piggyback). Anyone else have GE’s on order for 2004, aside from the most recent UP order? Thanks.
With the SD70ACe they are in Chicago and Oh GREAT HELP MORE AC4400 and C44-9W WHEN WILL THEY ORDER MORE SD70MAC?
DOGGY
Mr. Frank
I understand that the 30 ES44ACs for BNSF are officially described as “pre-production” and they may be on loan from GE rather than a real order. However, if they work well, I’m sure both parties expect BNSF to keep using them, maybe as a lease. GE only expect to ship the first EVO units next year.
EMD doesn’t have much, apart from small numbers of units of type JT42CWR going to the UK and Europe (and most of them are owned by British leasing companies). They did keep getting small further batches of SD70Ms from UP, but that may have stopped.
Peter
I nearly forgot: here in Australia Pilbara rail have taken another four Dash9-44CWs. They’ve been buying small batches for the last two years, but the Hamersley line used to operate with only 29 Dash9s, and although they’ve taken over Robe River, they now have more than fifty units. This is due to expansion to supply ore to China.
Peter
The end of 2004 will be a landmark in locomotive production
December 31 2004 is deadline for GE´s Dash 9 and AC4400 and EMD´s SD70M and SD70MAC!
TIER 2 changes everything!
SORRY DOGGY: I´M SURE THAT BNSF WILL ORDER NO MORE SD70 MAC´s !!!
Read my topic above and an other possible fact is also that General Motors had signed a contract with UP for the transport of new automobiles to the West !
BTW: I like EMD and GE but was also surpised when BNSF placed an order for the AC4400 instead of more SD70MAC.
WILL THEY ORDER SD70ACE
With 30 GE ES44AC (Evolution Series 12 cylinders) in the roster ? Hmm, I think not!
What was the reason for BNSF to order GE´s instead of EMD´s - The SD70MAC was available - CSX became new ones in 2003! Sometimes I think that the AC4400 is real better than the SD70MAC!
Okay: It is impossible for one builder to built all that engines that was ordered in the last years in the USA!!! Do you think that EMD has the capacity to built tousands of locomotives?
We will see what come in a few years.
At the moment the AC´s have an age of maximum 10 years! The time for the next AC´s will come in 5 to 7 years I think when the first SD70MAC will reach the age of 15!
"At the moment the AC´s have an age of maximum 10 years! "
Just what is on an AC locomotive that cannot be repaired or replaced? The only item I can think of is the frame if it is too damaged, and that is no different than any other diesel.
Guys,
The item that will provide problems in the future with AC locomotives will be the replacement of the inverter elements. The change in technology will mean that the failure of a single element, say ten years into operation might mean the replacement of the whole inverter with equivalent but later technology. However, new devices have fewer elements and will in general cost less. The opportunity might be taken to upgrade the power of the locomotive.
My copy of Diesel Era for Nov/Dec 2003 has finally found its way to me, with a note that says that the five UP test units are described as “AC V12 Tier II” on their builders plates. The incorporation of the air to air intercooler into the front of the radiator casing and the higher engine hood make the loco look a lot shorter than the AC4400!
Peter
Both UP and BNSF have over 300 units intended for delivery in 2004 and UP is trying to pull forward some 2005 units into 3rd qtr 2004.
BNSF has more DC units on order than AC by about 2 to 1.
NS is gonna buy MORE Dash 9s (100) and 15 Evolution Series instead of the planned 100 SD70Ms. [:(][:(][:(][:(!][:(!][:(!][V][V][V]
Oh well, at least (in my opinion) they look better than a SD70ACe.
Hups! Made a mistake, possible.
When I wrote that the maximum age of the AC´s is 10 years, I wanted to say that we must wait a few years before the RR´s will place the next big orders! The fleets are near complete.
And I think that the RR´s need not much engines in the next years - see the orders for 2004 and you see that I´m right! Only some final orders!
They will not replace the engines before they reach the age of 15 (most leasing agreements for new engines are for a 15 year span).
By the way: Does anyone think that the market for used AC´s will be good. Only Class 1 RR´s have the real working fields for AC´s with the higher maintenance costs!
The RR´s must lower the cost´s. So I think it´s possible that the first AC´s will become an complete overhaul into TIER 2 in a few years an will come back to the class 1 RR´s. 25 years in operation are no problem for the frames and many other parts!
I see ne real problem for that!