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Re: UP loco auction today -- auction web site link??
Author: SP5103
Date: 09-28-2013 - 08:29
You have to consider several factors in the resale value of the auctioned locomotives.
As far as the GEs - A B40-8 is really only good for mainline high-speed operation. Any significant grades would require enough hp per ton and track conditions to keep your speed up. Wasn't the Dash-8 line the first GE microprocessor control and the last of the FDL? It was only in production for a fairly short time, and most smaller and regional railroad shops are far more familiar with EMD products. Plus it is much easier getting EMD parts on the aftermarket. Bottom line - Unless someone is looking for cores or a Class 1 is looking for a bargain to rebuild, the only real market demand for the GEs are in South America or the local scrap dealer. (It will be interesting if some do end up used on CSXT.) If you get too carried away rebuilding one, then the newer emission upgrades have to be considered.
An MP15 - well almost anyone can use and maintain one of those. There are plenty of possibilities for industrial switching, shortline, regional, Class 1 and as rebuild cores.
The big question for any engine builder on Tier 4 - Can they meet the emission requirements in the combustion cycle, or by treating the emissions? The operating restrictions on DPFs don't impress me and contradict typical railroad practice, and urea catalysts require the railroads to maintain another fluid on the locomotive (not to mention the cost). The simplest and most reliable system will win.
As far as the GEs - A B40-8 is really only good for mainline high-speed operation. Any significant grades would require enough hp per ton and track conditions to keep your speed up. Wasn't the Dash-8 line the first GE microprocessor control and the last of the FDL? It was only in production for a fairly short time, and most smaller and regional railroad shops are far more familiar with EMD products. Plus it is much easier getting EMD parts on the aftermarket. Bottom line - Unless someone is looking for cores or a Class 1 is looking for a bargain to rebuild, the only real market demand for the GEs are in South America or the local scrap dealer. (It will be interesting if some do end up used on CSXT.) If you get too carried away rebuilding one, then the newer emission upgrades have to be considered.
An MP15 - well almost anyone can use and maintain one of those. There are plenty of possibilities for industrial switching, shortline, regional, Class 1 and as rebuild cores.
The big question for any engine builder on Tier 4 - Can they meet the emission requirements in the combustion cycle, or by treating the emissions? The operating restrictions on DPFs don't impress me and contradict typical railroad practice, and urea catalysts require the railroads to maintain another fluid on the locomotive (not to mention the cost). The simplest and most reliable system will win.
