ultamaterailfan Wrote:
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> But why can't they standardize with SD70ACes? EMDs
> are so much better. I would prefer SD70Ms and
> SD40s but SD70ACes are at least more interesting
> than GEVOs. I still hate UP for getting rid of the
> tunnel motors. They just don't care.

"They just don't care." Sure they do.

UP cares about having newer, more modern locomotives.

The newer locomotives meet federal emissions requirements that the SD40T-2s didn't.

The newer locomotives have more modern computer controls. More diagnostic tools. When a locomotive breaks, the locomotive can be remotely troubleshooted, and by the time the locomotive is in the shop, the mechanics already know what's wrong and what to fix. Less time in the shop, more time on the road = more money.

The newer locomotives are built with longer inspection intervals - meaning fewer trips to the shop for basic inspections.

The newer locomotives have more modern crew compartments (cabs) that are ergonomically designed - fewer injuries.

Newer locomotives simply are more reliable than locomotives built in the 1970s and 1980s. Fewer breakdowns mean happier crews, fewer mechanics, and freight moves on time and without delay. Fewer delays = fewer damage claims.

If you want to buy SD40T-2s, there are plenty on the used locomotive market. Go buy yourself a 1:1 scale model railroad and run it back and forth. Hope you won the Powerball - after you spend a couple million to find a railroad, then a million or so on a few Tunnel Motors, then you'll need spare parts, plus meeting FRA and local requirements, plus you'll have to make sure your crossing signals are in working order (not to mention paying the power bill for each one), then becoming a certified locomotive engineer...then getting your 4,400 gallon fuel tank topped off at $3/gallon, so a "fill-up" costs $13,200.

It's also no secret that Southern Pacific didn't exactly take the best of care of its locomotives. They were ragged and worn. Sure they looked pretty when they were delivered...but afterwards they were worked hard and put away wet. SP was running first generation diesels (GP9s and SD9s) long after they were banished by the other railroads, or relegated only to yard and local duty. Some of their locomotives had been rebuilt - TWICE. It's actually rather amazing that so many tunnel motors continue to soldier on for shortlines, especially given that they weren't exactly built to operate on branchlines and industrial track.

As for GE vs. EMD, it's clear that EMD rested on its laurels and thought people would just automatically buy EMD. GE continued to innovate and improve its product. I've heard EMD still demands a premium price for its product even as they have outsourced production and quality has suffered; there is little innovation in their products. GE offers a lower price, and now offers a better product. Railroads don't just throw away money because they can. Frankly - you should be pretty shocked and happy that UP has a museum, two working steam locomotives, a heritage diesel fleet, and donates quite a bit to other museums. Not to mention now a Big Boy. That's a lot more catering to the fan, than most companies do.