teo Wrote:
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> First the 921D with major damage now the 917,
> maybe it's time to take the F7'S out of the ral
> program.


I think most everyone on this board will agree that using the F's in the RAL program is a bit risky - for a number of reasons - and that perhaps using switchers only (if any can be made available) might be the best choice. The point being made here is that these locos are truly "one of kind" now and there is no phoning up EMD for replacement parts/assemblies.

The RAL program has been a huge success and provides "civilians" a unique opportunity to "operate" a real live locomotive - if only at 8 mph (hell, I won't let my conductor even touch the control desk let alone "operate"). But these ain't bumper cars and even at 8 mph some bad things happen when tons of steel in motion are connected with tons of steel sitting stationary - no matter what the cause.

At some point, though, the word "museum" has to take precedence. There is nothing wrong with preserving your fleet of WP locos by having them stuffed and mounted . . .

FS