by mtuandrew
Also regarding the GP7's frame strength, it doesn't seem to have been a major issue - the Wiki article at least gives the impression that it was correctable in later models and perhaps by retrofit.
I also suspect that Mr. Hazen is right, the BL2 and GP7 frame strength issues didn't matter when they were in EMD's suggested service. Drilling 20 cars in a yard, working a 12 car branchline mixed, or running a 4 car suburban scoot wouldn't overly stress these trusses or weldments. These issues did matter when they were the fourth unit out of six on a 120 car coal drag coming up the valley from Louisville, back in the era when it was common to see six 1300-1500 hp units on a freight. Now that 1950s-vintage diesels have essentially disappeared from road service, it is back to being a minor issue at best.
As for the GP22ECOs, EMD must magnaflux the frames, repair problem areas, and reinforce weak spots in the reman process. I certainly wouldn't accept less if I were a railroad CMO.
I also suspect that Mr. Hazen is right, the BL2 and GP7 frame strength issues didn't matter when they were in EMD's suggested service. Drilling 20 cars in a yard, working a 12 car branchline mixed, or running a 4 car suburban scoot wouldn't overly stress these trusses or weldments. These issues did matter when they were the fourth unit out of six on a 120 car coal drag coming up the valley from Louisville, back in the era when it was common to see six 1300-1500 hp units on a freight. Now that 1950s-vintage diesels have essentially disappeared from road service, it is back to being a minor issue at best.
As for the GP22ECOs, EMD must magnaflux the frames, repair problem areas, and reinforce weak spots in the reman process. I certainly wouldn't accept less if I were a railroad CMO.