Re: BC Rail's Electrics
Author: Bruce Butler
Date: 01-05-2007 - 07:43
They tried to sell them, but eventually all but the 6001 were scrapped at Coast Engine in Tacoma WA. I presume that they have probably salvaged the catenary system also. Can anybody confirm? The high price of copper would be hard to resist.
I read that these motors were pretty well worn out, and the cost to the RR for electricity was rising rapidly. The mines were closing and the tonnage of coal moving on the line was falling.
Another problem is that these were the only electrics built by GM. Apparently there wasn't much parts interchangeability with diesel electrical systems, and effectively they were orphans.
I regret that I never got up there to see it. My MILW memories will have to suffice.
Imagine a SD90MAC electric! That would eliminate the (perceived) problems with the "H" engine.
Bruce Butler