For a modern BNSF, a Baldwin or Alco would have been long retired and probably anything older than an SW1500/SW1000 also.
Dave H.
Anything that runs. I use everything from SW1001s to SD70es. Although most of the switching crews prefer either the SD40s or GP40 mother and slug sets.
Nick
How about this:
If you wanted to, you can patch it.
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH91556
Sean
At least, where I grew up, they use whatever is available. SRR used to have a SW-1500 based in Selma Al, my hometown, but they moved it to B’ham after only a year there. Prior to this, and since then, they used whatever excess power was at the fuel rack. (Selma’s just a small yard between B’ham and Mobile).
I’ve seen everything from GP-30’s-GP-38’s (1970’s-1980’s) to present day SD-70’s and widenose GE’s, (nowadays).
The other yard in Selma, the Georgia /L&N/Western of Alabama RR, used an old Baldwin S-12 even up thru the mid seventies, but someone climbed on the unit and put a toolbox on the deadman pedal, and throttled it up and jumped off. The loco derailed in Montgomery a hour and half later, at the entrance to the yard there. Inglorious end to a really rare and unique loco at the time. This yard and maintanence area has since been turned into a two track passing area and the yard itself is gone.
present day railroads use just about anything for yard switching, 4 axle EMD units seem to be most popular. GP9’s are great. GP38-2’s and GP40-2’s are good choices as well. SD40’s are becoming more common in the yards nowas well before they are retired. SW1500’s could still be around, not shure.
What diesels were used for yard switching in the 40’s-50’s?
Amtrk14 that switcher is a possibility but for now i’ll use one of my gp38-2 till i find something else- thanks
Here’s what the BNSF is using in Sioux Falls, SD. These pictures were taken on October 24, 2005.
It doesn’t show up well in the preview but the label on the frame says it’s an SW10
Hope this helps.
Tom
Yes, I waited and waited to get a photo with the smoke. What isn’t shown (I cut out of the photo to get it small enough to post) is that this is at the top of about a 3% hump yard grade. The loco’s are pulling a string of cars to the top. They will then back them down as they are classified and gravity feeds them back into the yard.
The local BNSF yard usually uses SW1500s and first generation GPs with new cabs (it seems like the roster I saw listed them as GP9s). These are RCLs and usually have the side windows plated over. I have also seen SW1000s, GP35s GP38-2s, GP40-2s, rebuilt GP30s (GP39Ms, GP39Vs), and probably other locomotives I do not currently remember.
Basicly what ever is laying around the pit at the time. Except for GEs, they load slow so they dont make for good yard swithchers.
Another thing is that power is rotated out every couple of months usaully. It can get sent to a shop facility for repairs are calender inspections