For years here at Eola yard in Aurora, IL we’d see BNSF (former ATSF) GP60M and GP60B units on freights…at times in two or even three unit sets. Now for a number of years we’ve not seen a single one. Have they been retired or are they hanging around a specific region of the country. I grew to love those “little” units as they seemed so small but “brutish” to me…kind of like modern day F units. Thanks
A lot of the GP60Bs have made their way up into Washington state, where they replaced the GP38-2s on the Anacortes Spur when it was upgraded to take unit oil trains.
The other place I have seen them (mostly GP60Ms) in abundance is local service in the LA Basin.
I heard from crews that that heavy cab forward of center over two axle trucks made it ride like a bucking bronco at high speed or on bad track, that might be why you haven’t seen them on short lines.
Most of the atsf GP60M’s are working in CA, THE RR has them working on locals and baretable movements.
BNSF moved them all the California to satisfy the deal they struck with CARB to reduce emissions in Ca. So they put their newer lower emitting 710 units in Ca and moved out the old rebuilt 645 units.
This is the same reason UP had the SD60s rebuilt into SD59MXs. Improve overall California fleet emissions.
Thanks YoHo1975, that makes total sense to me.
I know there are 2 held “captive” in the Flagstaff Az. area, doing local work, along with a couple of “B-40’s”. Also see them on the "shuttles between Winslow,Flagstaff, Kingman, and Needles[8D]
BNSF still uses them here in SoCal on the now branchline foothill route for local service, usually see them shoving cars at the Miller brewery in Irwindale.
One GP60B was rebuilt with a used spartan cab; this included moving the dynamic brakes to the tradional location above the prime mover. Are there any plans to rebuild any more?
I just saw one go by here in Hanford, still in Warbonnet colors. Used on the local runs between Fresno & Bakersfield.
You can find them running out of Spokane’s yard by NAPA street.
A FB NW Railfan posted a video about the BNSF Chewlah turn which runs up some tight turning track. From the videos I have seen its a GP50 or 60 on the point, 3 or 4 GP60B’s and a GP50 or 60 on the rear. If you want to see them in action, just copy this: BNSF Chewlah turn into the you tube search.
I observed 2 switching tank cars on the Harbor Line in El Segundo this past Saturday.
Dave
The conversion of the test unit ended up costing too much. So there are no plans at this time to proceed with additional conversions.
That’s what I would have assumed. Thank you.