The current thread referencing the “new” ex-UP SD-40-2 on the WSOR got me to thinking about how a railroad goes about purchasing used locomotives:
1.) I understand that the owning railroads sometimes do auction off excess power, and older locomotives.
a.) Do they cycle those locomotives through their fleets according to age?
b.) Is the decision to sell made by the number of hours/ or miles run?
c.) Are the units to be sold identified by shop/maintenance records?
d.)Are units identified as continual maintenance problems, or just plain not what
the manufacturer touted them to be? Recently, the SD90-???'s,
built as 4300hp, but upgradable to 6000hp for example, come to mind as in current TRAINS issue.
2.) Do the buyers of the used locomotives have access to the
prior maintenance history records?
a.) Do the buyers get any guarentees when they buy used power,
from the seller railroad?
I do not mean to include salvage buyers in this; only railroads that have every intention of operating the used locomotives on their lines.
3.) I know that now, primarily, the four axle
calling Randy Stahl, Calling Randy Stahl…
Hey Stahl! - You out there???
[quote user=“samfp1943”]
The current thread referencing the “new” ex-UP SD-40-2 on the WSOR got me to thinking about how a railroad goes about purchasing used locomotives:
1.) I understand that the owning railroads sometimes do auction off excess power, and older locomotives.
a.) Do they cycle those locomotives through their fleets according to age?
b.) Is the decision to sell made by the number of hours/ or miles run?
c.) Are the units to be sold identified by shop/maintenance records?
d.)Are units identified as continual maintenance problems, or just plain not what
the manufacturer touted them to be? Recently, the SD90-???'s,
built as 4300hp, but upgradable to 6000hp for example, come to mind as in current TRAINS issue.
2.) Do the buyers of the used locomotives have access to the
prior maintenance history records?
a.) Do the buyers get any guarentees when they buy used power,
from the seller railroad?
I do not mean to include salvage buyers in this; only railroads that have every intention of operating the used locomotives on their lines.
3.) I know that now,
OK , OK … I can hear you , you don’t have to yell … I’m right here. I’m not buying any locomotives this week , talk about a break !!! Talk about a hassle , most of the time the engines don’t even run . Got to be careful not to bid too much for that broken crankshaft ! Yes many railroads may provide you with a discount or free shipping on the sellers railroad , don’t forget to pay them to replace the penalty wheels though. Take alot of pictures , there is a chance that nobody told the roundhouse guys that the engine has been sold , if they don’t don’t have the part on the storeroom shelf , it’s a good bet that the closest locomotive to the enginehouse door will provide the parts. BUYER BEWARE !!!
WELL! Thanks Guys!
( Mudchicken, Limited Clear and Randy Stahl )
I was hoping that at least one of you would respond. Randy, I knew you would have a pretty good grasp of the process, and I think, I remember that L.C. was mentioned as having an ALCO {?} for his hobby…
Around this area, there are a number of engines of varying parentage/heritage in operation. Watco seems to have quite a mixed stable of used power. Cherrryvale Yard and Neodesha, and in Coffeyville, all on weekends seem to have all sorts odd power laying over. It is pretty interesting at times.
The purchase process is pretty much a mystery to most railfans, all who enjoy seeing and photographing the various units of mixed parentage. We normally are not involved in the purchase process, so its pitfalls are a real mysterey–Obviously, there are major pitfalls, as Randy mentioned, things that can go wrong, and parts that are broken or worn, and unnoticed until they are inspected before transportation.
The major question that is now unanswered is, what can one expect to pay for an engine, that is running, and operational?? How about a hulk??
Thanks, again for your responses.