Hot Water Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ex-BN Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > This discussion has brought up a point I've
> been
> > pondering for years. What were the reasons
> that
> > Amtrak wanted SDP40Fs instead of FP45s?
>
>
> First, the FP45 model was NOT a "Dash 2" series
> model, and Amtrak wanted a "Dash 2" model
> passenger unit.
>
> Amtrak was given a choice of a 3000 HP model, the
> SDP40F, and a 3600 HP model, which would have been
> the SDP45F, had they chosen that. Since the first
> order of 40 units was specifically purchased for
> service on the Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Mechanical
> Department had considerable influence of the model
> and its specifications. Thus, Amtrak chose the
> 3000 HP models.e. the SDP40F.
>
> I'd guess
> > it was a weight/room issue and most passenger
> > trains have been fine with 6000hp for years
> > including all those trains pulled by four F7s.
> > But that's my guess.
>
>
> A very good guess, based on the actual facts.
>
> Does anyone have an insight
> > into this?
>
> Yes, as the EMD Sales Engineer for the first order
> of units for Amtrak, the stories I could tell
> would curl your hair.

What hair I have left after over 40 years of railroading stands ready to be curled.

Also if ATSF wanted a "40" instead of a "45" does the indicate they had issues with the FP45's? They did of course come back for SD45-2s while other roads were switching to SD40-2s so I assume the engine troubles of the early SD45s had been solved to their satisfaction. Did the SDP40F use the extra room for more water storage and more steam generator capacity?