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NS acquires additional SD80MACs from CSX
They probably should’ve done this during the split to consolidate maintenance and parts and achieve real savings. It only took 16 years for CSX to recognize that these 13 odd units cost more than they were worth. Or, in 16 years, CSX was able to use up an SD80MAC to the point that it could be swapped for a 40-year old SD40-2.
“Or, in 16 years, CSX was able to use up an SD80MAC to the point that it could be swapped for a 40-year old SD40-2.”
I’d say that you’re onto something here, Rich!
The SD 40-2’s are ex Conrail units that have been re-built. The 80MAC’s will join the 90MAC’s being acquired from UP in coal service (mainly on the Pokey and Pennsy coal lines) freeing the SD70ACe’s and ES44’s to work intermodal and manifest trains. Seeing as how all will be re-built to SD70ACe’s anyway the trade is a wash. All those extra SD40-2’s sitting around do have value, especially to CSX who is short four axle yard power and road switchers. The real brillance here is that NS doesn’t have to buy new locomotives that are tier 4 compliant they buy units already grandfathered in.
I’m likely dreaming here, but it would be nice to see 4590/7217 repainted and renumbered as the class leader, CR 4100! Following in the footsteps of that SOU SD40 they just did…
If the SD80’s are anything like the 90’s,they should have gone straight to scrap right off the assembly line.
the SD80MACS were 20 cyl and it was a fuel guesler like the ES44ac is a 12 cylinder and saves fuel I donot blame CSX for making the swap. THE sd40-2 was a good locomotive.