The MP36 is restricted from operating on all three UP (ex-CNW) lines due to engines weight and bridge weight limits. The opinion has been expressed on this thread that the UP West Line is not the issue because heavy freight trains use this line every day. Almost all freight trains operating east of Proviso Yard diverge to the Rockwell Sub (Global I, CSX, etc.) at Kedzie and the issue is with the bridges east of Kedzie that have not been upgraded/reinforced.
I know that there was a bridge replacement project on the UP NW Line a few years ago. Is it possible that some of the bridges on the UP (ex-CNW) are approaching 95 years (1911) without any replacement? And I wonder what the life expectancy of those bridges are?
It will be interesting to see what type of motive power replaces the F40 in the future because the F40 has been the exclusive power on the ex-CNW lines for @20 years now and operating for Metra for close to 30 years.
ONe thing about it, the older units will continue to get older and I suspect the rebuilders can only breath so much new like back in to those old commuter power units, and as was mentioned without a lot of money on infra structure, the new engines being built are too heavy and probably too,too much for even consideration, they may wind up going overseas for passenger power, NJ Transit and AMTRAK’S ALP’s of a few years back… passenger diesels are a small specialized market and like [sea]ports, American companies are getting out of that market.
My own guess is that if EMD (which may address smaller markets now that it is independent) or GE (which does have a corporate commitment to aid public transit in general) don’t address the market, either of these builders might supply components to Motive Power or a similar more-specialty builder. For many of the commuter operations an elongated switcher with higher-speed gearing and a seperate head-end power diesel and alternator would fill the bill exactly and would not require not require heavy-duty track or bridges. Maybe a gen-set locomtive would we applicable.
The problem is money, as I understand it. Metra would not rebuild their F40PHs eternally if they didn’t have to, but they lack the funding to purchase new units, and don’t really need a 125MPH capable unit anyway. If they need extra power, I think more of the ex-GO F59PHs are most likely.
(1)Most first generation and early second generation power is inadequately shielded (no matter the claims to the contrary) for just about any PTC equipment. The issue may become moot if METRA can’t shame the feds into paying for commuter PTC. (kinda ironic in the unfunded mandate department)
(2) Getting those E-50 thru E-65 bridges up to snuf (E-80) ain’t gonna be cheap and competes with all the whining from those using the service expecting a more cushy ride and more frequent service (as long as it’s $pending OPM)…AAR/TTC is looking at ways to beef-up and extend the life of decaying older bridges that are less expensive and do not require total disassembly and rehab of the bridges…(ie-repair under service)
You mean the bridge that self-destructed on top of an automobile one 100-degree Fourth of July a few years back, due to heat kinks in the rails because of the difference in ballast between terra firma and an open-deck bridge, which UP had wanted to replace but the cities involved wouldn’t let them? Is that the one?
In that case, UP management and employees really should have left it as a fill…
I haven’t been on any inspection trips to check out the bridge-rebuilding programs that have taken place on the Northwest Line and are currently taking place on the North Line, but you would be hard-pressed to find any inadequate bridges anywhere on the West Line any more.
I think it’s the one almost exactly two years ago, where (supposedly) the DPU failed to stop pushing when the trainline went into emergency.
Where is the reference to UP wanting to replace the bridge but the local authorities not letting them? That is missing from most of the “popular” accounts of the accident – perhaps not surprisingly.
Do we know how the Lindner wrongful-death lawsuit came out?
(Sorry to hijack the original thread, the topic of which is still something I’m interested in learning about…)