Re: Huge Union Pacific Loco order.

[James Robinson <NOSPAM@ERIE.NET>]

(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.

As to why UP would order a large quantity of this type of locomotive,
There are a couple of things to consider.  First, the 6000 hp
locomotives are still relatively new, and they may not want to risk
buying a large quantity until they have proven themselves.  Second, UP
has a large quantity of 3,000 hp locomotives (SD-40) that are pushing 25
years of age.  They have been the backbone of their manifest services
for a number of years, and are reaching the point where they need
replacement.  Historically, UP would buy new locomotives for their
premium services, and cascade older locomotives into lesser demanding
services.  This may not be the best approach with more specialised
designs.

It seems that 4,300 / 4,400 hp AC traction locomotives will continue to
be the choice for heavy unit train services, and the 6,000 hp
locomotives will be used in the premium intermodal services. (They still
have a modest number on order)  They are really looking for a universal
locomotive for general services, and the SD-70M fits that requirement
better than the other choices.  Not to mention that the price and
conditions of sale were probably too good to pass up.  When you own
almost 7,000 locomotives, you can afford to have specialised locomotives
in your fleet.

By the way, how are the 6,000 hp BHP locomotives working out?