ultamaterailfan Wrote:
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> I hate ES44ACs, ES44DCs and ES44C4s. There
> everywhere. The Class 1s are dumb for buying so
> many stupid GEs. Why cant we see more new EMDs out
> there? There so much better. I dont understand why
> the railroads want to make everything boring by
> buying mostly stupid GEVOs. They dont seem to care
> about variety anymore.

Ask the airlines why they buy so many "dumb" Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s...

Railroads don't give a damn about what railfans want or variety. Variety doesn't improve profits or shareholders return, or reduce costs, or drum up business. The average railroad customers has no clue what locomotive is on the train that hauls their freight - and they don't care.

And on what basis are EMD locomotives better? Clearly, the railroads think differently because GE is now the commanding leader in locomotive sales and has been for years. GE locomotives have improved by leaps and bounds since the Dash 7 series, and even the Dash 8 series. I've heard plenty of complaints about EMD models of late, especially the ones made in Mexico.

If you want variety, there are plenty of shortline railroads that own the stuff the class ones have no need to own. Or you can buy your own railroad, and then give EMD your business - I'm sure they'll gladly sell you a few SD70M-IIs. Prepare to plop down $3.5 million a pop - and you're on your own for financing.