A story on today’s Newswire would be more useful with more information.
The loco under discussion, the 9900: Is it manufacturer-built, shop-built, or a recycled unit? Who did the modifications?
The story says there are to be 25 emissions-reducing test units in all. Who’s responsible for the science? And again, where are the locos coming from?
See the UP news release on this “SD59MX” at: http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/service/2012/0822_up9900.shtml
Also, the caption at this photo - http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2803264 - says it was shown in the Feb. 2012 issues of Trains - perhaps there’s more info there ?
Thank you, Paul – most helpful. I should have thought of checking with the UP site myself. I think I was just feeling crabby yesterday.
UP 9900 was a SD60M that was re-powered with a 12-710ECO package from what I have read. This work was done by EMD. The big ‘hump’ on the top of the engine is part of the particulate removal gear. I think these modifications are part of a joint UP/EMD project. I have heard that there is also a UP SD70ACe running around with the same ‘hump’ modification. All of this is to prepare for EPA Tier 4 mandated emissions regulations that take effect in 2014.
Jim
There is a nice thread going on this one in Locomotives right now. With what EMD is using on these and if that is going to be what they use look for EMD to LOOSE even more market Share than they have lost already. Why and this is coming from my Boss and our Shop Foreman Diesel Engines do NOT like to be Force Fed their Own Exhaust and made to Burn it again. It tends to make the Valves Break off from the Cylinder Heads.
See he was a Tester for another Diesel Engine Maker for another type of Industry and well lets just say the engine that had EGR and DPF’s on them we called them the Shop Queens as every week they spent more time IN THE SHOP THAN MAKING MONEY.