If UP’s most powerful steam locos were known as Big Boys and their gas turbines as Big Blows, then UP’s 265H SD90MACs can be best known as “Big Flops”. Much like the Big Blows and UP’s double diesel GE’s, the SD90MAC-H disappeared from the rail scheme rather quickly. UP’s first batch of SD90MAC-Hs ended up being scrapped recently, while I guess the SD90MAC-Hs with the phase 2 SD70Ace-style cab that UP took off lease 3-4 years back are still out their somewhere. Is EMD still leasing them out, or are they in storage somewhere too?
Aren’t several running in dedicated coal or ore or stone unit-train traffic on a regional? Either leased or purchased?
We have been getting some out here on manifests.
A similar fate as the AC6000s as well IIRC. I heard that most of them spent time on rock train duty until leases ran out and then would be returned. Are they still running as UP or have these been sent back too?
UP’s AC6000s are being re-engined with the FDL, which now makes them AC44CWs. In contrast CSX is upgrading their AC6000s by replacing the HDL with a 6,000hp 16-GEVO, making their AC6000s ES60ACs.
Big flops, eh? See I always called them “Big Macs” but that’s just me [:P]
The SD90MAC may have been a flop for UP, but when they weren’t thinking too hard, they had the best DNBK’s you could get.
My Avatar is of an SD90MAC coming through Lafayette IN. Repaying Power by the Hour Miles.
DNBK’s? Danvers Bancorps?
I believe he meant DyNamic BraKes.[swg]
just to clarify things, none of the 6000hp SD90MAC-H’s are currently in service. The 41 units which Union Pacific returned to EMD are all currently in storage. The last time any of these units operated was on the Buffalo & Pittsburgh RR earlier this year.
The 21 units which UP owned outright are being stripped of certain components and the remaining hulks scrapped at Metro East Industries.
The 4 CP SD90MAC-H’s were retired in November 2008 and remain for sale at this time.
EMD test units #90 and 91 remain as test beds for EMD.
This accounts for all of the 6000hp SD90MAC-H’s built.
Bryan Jones