GP38-2s in Pacific Northwest
Author: Erik H.
Date: 06-23-2013 - 07:57
Over on another forum someone made the comment that GP38-2s are prohibited from the Pacific Northwest due to the lack of a turbocharger and the potential of emitting carbon which could cause a fire.
When did this happen? For many years UP had a fleet of GP38-2s that were assigned to Oregon, and SP of course had all sorts of non-turboed locomotives (GP9s and SD9s). BN routinely used GP38-2s, and at least three shortlines roster at least one GP38 (Mount Hood, Portland & Western, Coos Bay Raillink) that all pass through forested areas.
I will say...I see a lot more GP39-2s now, which I'm already sick of thanks to the Portland & Western having 17 of them. They are the modern day Southern Pacific SD9.
Is this just a Union Pacific policy?