MNCR BL14cg switchers for GCT

MNR wants to put the BL14-CG locos in operation as soon as possible.

MNR has begun testing 401. Testing will not be complete until sometime in January 09.

Reference earlier questions about these locos.

In 2005 / 06, the MTA Capital Construction Company (MTACC) asked MNR to support their East Side Access (ESA) construction with work trains. When MNR responded that it lacked enough locos to support the request, MTACC agreed to purchase 2 new locos for MNR. These would be MNR owned locos, paid for by MTACC.

At that time MTACC was hoping to receive federal funding soon and to get their project into full swing quickly. Concern was voiced by MNR that the 2 new locos would not arrive in time to support MTACC’s aggressive schedule, so MTACC agreed to lease one interim loco to get things started. Discussions devolved to leasing a GP-7 or 9 or other such loco. However, MNR was concerned about the maintenance requirements of such an old loco and the possibility of it breaking down in GCT and pushed for something newer.

At that time Brookville was getting the order for 11 BL20-GHs for MNR/CDOT. The presidents of MNR and MTACC took the opportunity and agreed to add one more loco to the BL20 order (making for 12 locos in all), which would allow it, or any other MNR freight loco, to support the ESA project. MNR then agreed to support the ESA project schedule regardless of when the extra BL20-GH arrived, and made provisions to permanently couple units 404 and 405 to support ESA should there be any delays in the delivery of the extra BL20 or the BL14s.

Brookville fell behind in all loco deliveries. MTACC fell behind with their ESA project.

This past summer MTACC began requesting freight car movements between GCT and BN Yard. Since they were few and far between, MNR handled most of them with the AMMO or PMMO in conjunction with the trash & recycling movements.

In October 2008 MTACC predicted greater freight movements in the “near future”, so MNR coupled and moved 404 and 405 to GCT to act as a “single locomotive to support ESA requirements” and assist as the Terminal switcher as required. 404 and 405 were permanently coupled for this service because singly these units do not shunt well. Combined, they do.

However, 404 & 405 lack the tractive effort required to pull the projected heavy loads up the grade from GCT’s Lower Level into the Park Ave Tunnel, so MNR is very keen on getting 401 into service.

Once 401 and 402 are in service, 404 and 405 will return to Harmon, be decoupled and revert to their original assignments. Unit 064 will be returned to NYCTA.

Once the ESA project is completed, MNR will most likely keep 401 and 402 in GCT as the Terminal Switchers.

MNCR 402 was finaly shippeed from Brookville last week, 401 still has not been tested , so maybe a new plan has come up.
The 401 was seen on in transit on shortline enroute to CSX interchange.

401 or was it 402 was in Harmon last night hooked up to the f-10's.

Betya its 401, as 402 is still in transit.

Last years special trains issue Locomotive 2008 had a picture of 401 as just the steel cab and body without paint or light fixtures installed. When will 401 go to GCT to start work?

Most likely after it and it's sister unit have done full acceptance testing .

The 402 has made it to Selkirk. Look for it soon........

It has arrived at Croton on CSXT. Supposedly - somehow the unit arrived and is not third rail cleared, and is awaiting MN inspection and possible cutting of plows before being taken down to Harmon.

There was an incident with one of the BL20GH's contacting the third rail a while ago, so all 11 BL20GH's as well as the BL14CG's have had or are in the process of getting their plows cut for better clearance.

6/14 The 401 and 402 were hooked up to one another at Harmon, both units were off.

Here are some photos of the BL14CG 401/402 @ Harmon on 6/14.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=1639776
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=1639779
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=1639780

As far as testing, how are the engines handling it? These are the same no-emission diesel engine technology that Brookville uses for its mining locomotives right? How often are these engines going to be taken out of service to have the filters replaced?

As far as testing, how are the engines handling it?

Handling what? They've barely begun testing them.

These are the same no-emission diesel engine technology that Brookville uses for its mining locomotives right?

Nope! The mining locomotives are WAY too small to have these engines in them . These are the same engines that they have in their "demonstrator" Geep.

How often are these engines going to be taken out of service to have the filters replaced?

Nobody knows...not in service yet and crystal ball is broken.

I ask this question with an abundance of caution, hoping it doesnt send this post into a downward spiral of speculation, but would anyone know why these locomotives have the horns mounted on the top rear instead of mounted on the firemans side like the other BL20s?