Re: Huge Union Pacific Loco order.

[Bob <alco@acay.com.au>]

James Robinson wrote:

> (I think I got the attributions on the previous posts sorted out ...
> apologies if I didn't.)
>
> Danny Webb wrote:
> >
> > Garry Hoddinett wrote:
> > >
> > > TRAIN magazines reported in their 8 October "Newswire" reported
> > > that the Union Pacific railroad was to lease 1000 new 4000HP
> > > (SD70M's) with AC traction from EMD - They certainly do things
> > > big in the USA.  I am intrigued as to why they didn't order 6000HP
> > > units especially given the UP history of ordering BIG locos (eg
> > > Big Boy steam engines and Centennial Diesels).
> >
> > Union Pacific has BOUGHT 1000 new SD70M's not leased them and they
> > are not AC traction If they were AC they would be SD70MAC "M" stands
> > for modified from original design (mostly means the units are fitted
> > with a comfort cab) also the deal is reportedly worth $2 Billion US
> > Dollars and they will be delivered over four years
>
> The locomotives will in fact be leased, not purchased. Deliveries could
> be over as little as three years.
>
> They will be a fairly stripped-down DC traction locomotive.  While they
> will have a microprocessor-based control system, the air brake control
> will be entirely pneumatic, and the displays will be made up of analogue
> gauges rather than the electronic display panels common to other recent
> deliveries.

This is basically the same package as our 90 class. From EMD's point of view
it represents a reliable and easy to maintain locomotive which they will be
doing contract maintenance on juts like the 90s.
Cheers
Bob