If I may i'd like to put my 2 cents in. It's just my opinion, but i think the alco fleet should be USED if they have been purchased. That being said, I understand the current economic downturn has hit us ALL hard.Now, if someone could back up my figures here, I believe somone posted that the WNYP are renting the HLCX units or something like $250\DAY. x 5 units (as far as I know) =$1250\day and x365= $456,250 in RENT alone. I'll take a moment to remind everyone that is the TOTAL rent for the 5 units for one year. I'll also point out, in WNYP\LAL's defense that even IF they had the money to repair the units they need, as has been said, shop space, time, and good replacement parts. And i concede that if you got rid of 5 WORKING units to fix 1 or 2 broken ones, that isn't a sound financial investment either.
Maybe if only 2 of the HLCX units were given back, it would free up some assets. And how about from an efficency standpoint? Do the HLCX units have a better tractive effort rating? and what about horsepower? Iwould appreciate if someone could assist me nd post some pros and cons of both. for instance, i know the EMDS are thirsty little buggers and drink ALOT more fuel than their Alco counterparts.
Mr.Becker, Otto, and Alcoman i know the 3 of you guys can give me some knowledge, I look forward to hearing your thoughts, anyone else feel free to deposit your own 2 cents also.
Andrew Jack