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Re: Best and worst Diesel locomotive to operate exc EMD
Author: Trentkd5ia
Date: 03-29-2016 - 08:41
Been riding since 1989 and running since 95. By far the worst in my experience were the LMX B39-8 motors the BN leased from GE. Rough riding and took forever to load up. The worst power consist conceivable--an LMX paired with a B30-7A slug. The cabless unit wasn't heavy enough and wanted to slip if the rail wasn't dry.
I've also never been a fan of the ATSF/BNSF 100's and 500's. Caught a special hotshot one night at Clovis--1 BNSF 500 for power and one 5-packer. Took us 4'35" to reach Childress (222 miles) with only one stop. If we could have had an SD40 instead of the 500 I could have saved another 10 minutes.
The newer GE's are good, but I don't care for the C4 versions-4 powered axles with 2 idlers. It's a real jolt when the idler axles raise or lower to distribute more weight to the powered axles.
I've also never been a fan of the ATSF/BNSF 100's and 500's. Caught a special hotshot one night at Clovis--1 BNSF 500 for power and one 5-packer. Took us 4'35" to reach Childress (222 miles) with only one stop. If we could have had an SD40 instead of the 500 I could have saved another 10 minutes.
The newer GE's are good, but I don't care for the C4 versions-4 powered axles with 2 idlers. It's a real jolt when the idler axles raise or lower to distribute more weight to the powered axles.
