well we know that EMD is doing well with the new SD70s andf GE is doing great wirth the GEVOs. but what do you think will be the next locomotives the 2 companies create? i can see an ES60DC and ES60AC soon if the 44s do well, which they are. but what of EMD? SD90ACE? SD80ACE? SD90/80M-2?
How about a DDA100MACe.[:D]
The possibilities just boggle the mind. If they build it, you can bet Union Pacific would buy it[8D][8D][8D][8D]
And of course it should be geared for 80mph like the 40s.[;)]
I don’t think so. Uncle Pete has gotten a lot more conservative as regards locomotive purchases. Kind of a shame…I’ve only ever seen one of the “dual” locos (the EMD DDA40X). I don’t even think that any U50’s or C855’s even exist anymore, do they?
Let’s see…DD; “Double Diesel”…100; 10,000 horsepower…it would probably be more than 100 feet long, 10-wheel trucks…that would be an E-E configuration, right?
Seriously now, GE’s next locomotive I think will be the Hybrid. Not sure what EMD’s could be, but LA’s probably right…an SD80ACe or something around those lines.
I’m not sure horsepower is going to increase all that much–or if it does, I don’t think increased horsepower will be a driving force behind any new models. The current models ought to last until Tier 3 comes along, or at least until the new crashworthiness standards become mandatory.
Well, lets see I think that both EMD and GE need to concentrate on improving the quality of there 6000 hp locomotives before, they upgrade the horsepower. Both models of the 6000hp locomotive are only able to squezze out the same amount of tractive effort that, a 4400hp locomotive can, the added 2000hp is waisted because, there is no way to get the extra horsepower down to the rail and make use out of it.
However, I would like to see a SD80ACe, or a ES60AC.
I’ll agree with Carl - the next round of locomotives will be driven by technology. Methinks it will be a combination of environmental (emissions) and economic (more mpg) issues.
The building block principle is alive and well. While you may often (even usually) see two locomotives coupled together, the fact that they can be separated is key.
I read in a different thread that NS doesnt buy the 4400 HP units, because the typical unit only spends a small percentage of the time at full throttle. Especially for roads without major mountain grades, that would imply there could be some potential for a hybrid…almost like a slug with a boat-load of batteries that kick in when traction effort is needed, and gets recharged from the excess horse power of a “Lead” or master engine…if you want to add a couple of heavy duty electrical power cables to the mix. Might not work well for some western roads which have long, long crawls up grade…(the grapevine comes to mind). Perhaps all the battery technology they have developed for the automotive hybrid might be the key to a successful design…[8D]
Anybody know if this concept has been kicked around?[?]
the DDA40Xs on UP’s fleet is down to 1 which they use for excursion trains and business trains. they now consider it a passemger locomotive. what a shame. it would look loads better towing freight.
look at UP’s roster. all U boats are gone. not a single one remains. i feel pretty sure we’ll see an ES60DC and SD80ACE sooner or later. i hope we see a newer cooler looking cab though
Psst…JSGreen, there is no railroad over the grapevine.
We probably will not see any hybrids on the mainline for many many years if ever. The advantages of the hybrid are realized in stop and go type service like switching or commuter runs with many stops. Out on the main there would be no advantage.
Lord Atmo, The UP has been known to put the DDA40X to work pulling freight dureing motive power crunches. Right now it is running with the Western Pacific Museum’s train to Dunsmuir’s Railroad days.
You mean there different? sheesh gotta get my glasses checked, they both look just like big toolboxes on wheels to me…
Aha! The SD 100-4
Yes that’s fictional but is sounds cool.
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[][banghead][sigh]
So much for proofreading…I was actually thinking on the south side of the grapevine, along I-5…which I believe is actually part of thinking Cajon Pass…been a while since going through there, and have only enjoyed railfanning from the windshield while doing so…
Alpha Wiskey, this is Tango…my face is red, over…
yeah the SD100. could happen. wonder what it would look like. and if UP will make bicentennial locomotives when that 200th year comes up
here’s something to think about. an SD40ACE-2? add the ace mods to an SD40-2, common and reliable power already. could be a nice result
It’s possible that both Electromotive and GE will be able to come up with reliable versions of the AC6000/SD90(H) due to the contracts both have signed with China to design new 6K HP locomotives (which will mostly be built over there). Both companies will lose a lot of money if they can’t redesign the prime movers (seems to me that GE already has a leg up with the GEVO engine, a 16 cylinder static test version is already running IIRC).
Rebuilding older power, SD40-2s for instance, with AC traction makes little economic sense, it would certainly be nearly as costly as a new locomotive. I know that some ex NH FL-9’s were rebuilt this way in the 90’s and from what I have read the costs were high and servicability and reliability issues rampant…
An ES60DC/SD90m-2 is not really feasible. 1,000 HP per traction motor is too much for a DC application. The MK/MP5000C proved this (they were derated to 4500 HP before being rebuilt with 645 prime movers). MK was planning on developing an AC version before they cancelled the whole program. 4400-4500 HP is the max for a 6 axle DC motored unit., any more and things get very slippery…