Are we about to enter ‘our participation period’ of Railroad History ? A chapter that might be later considered as noted; in the subject title…‘The Great Locomotive Purge of 2020’ ?
Several article of recent posting and current posting in the TRAINS NEWSwire. Seem to indicate that Change,is definitely in the wind.
UPRR anounces that its Steamers[4014/488] will be on the sidelines, until 2021. Reason mentioned: The effects of national uncertainty in the presence of COVID19, and its effects in upcoming months?
It has also been reported of large numbers of UPRR diesel power, In Storage, on some of its lightly used rural Western lines… Numbers seem to have indicated, variously, of ‘a few, to multiples of 100’ (?)…Culprit that has been noted for their inactivity: PSR.
NSR has been represented with a couple of articles; in regards to reductions of their previously, announced budget spending levels, of percentages in the 20-25 percent ranges (?) The reason given, was the uncertainy of the Covid 19 virus on the economy, and also might be considered the economic fallout of the Stock prices on Wall Street(?).
Then, there is the story that NSR is going to ‘shed’ some seven models of older locomotives. Originally mentioned, as a target was some 500 units, off the roster. More recently, that number seems to have crept up to the vicinity of some 700+ individual units(?). Their disposal, has not been completely laid out: To be sold off. or just scrapped(?).
As for BNSF, not recently, there had been some ‘mentions’ that the line had some quantities of ‘stored units’, but apparently, no official position on down-sizing of their fleet(?). No mention of effects of the Covid virus, or PSR; even th