29 is kind of an underappreciated, unsung locomotive...although on paper she is considerably less powerful than 4960 (48,000 lbs. t.e. vs. 58,xxx lbs. t.e.), she is good for about the same tonnage. I never get get to fire her as she was o/s when I worked there, but I do remember a memorable morning in April of '93 when she had to stop for a late passenger at the crossing by Mile 4.5 and then started her capacity train with no trouble on the 3% grade. In less than a quarter mile, she had accelerated to about 20 mph. A real puller.
I believe that besides the front end improvements, the GCR removed 29s Worthington FW heater and possibly will go with a better design in the future if they have not done so already.