Hello,
I was wondering if anyone knows the fate of two PANAM 6-axle locos. Last I had heard, SD45 681 was in the deadline in Waterville I believe, and SD26 619 was stored somewhere. Does anyone know the fate or plans for these two classics? And I do not intend for this to be a PANAM-bashing thread although that is probably where it will go.
SD-45 684 was retired for parts a about two years ago, but it its twin, SD-45 681 suffered a broken crankshaft last Febuary and may have been scraped by now ??? Too bad, I run models of 681 and 684 in my Garden Model Railroad.
Rumor has it that Pan am is leasing 6 axle power now.
its not a rumor, its fact. Pan Am has been leasing 10-15 SD40-2/SD40M-2 types from Helm Leasing since early this summer. The units began to arrive around the first of June.
Bryan Jones
Brooks,KY
SD26 619 was scrapped in 2006 or 2007. From what I’ve heard, SD45 681 is still in the deadline, cannibalized for parts; most indications are that it will be scrapped soon. SD26’s 621 and 643 are still operational, as is SD39 690.
As for the leasers, PAR has an unusual agreement with Helm Leasing. PAR got 15 SD40-2-spec locos (with SD40, SD40-2, SD45, and SD45-2 carbodies). Helm says PAR can use them for free, as long as five of them remain inactive at any given time. This way, Helm doesn’t have to pay for storing them on their own property or worry about PAR not paying them the lease fees.