New Power (C39-8s, SD40-2s, etc)

[KSmitty]

I didnt see the units in Palmer or ED today.

Apparently I read a bad report. Theres a picture of them with a CSX dash8 4 axle at Selkirk taken today. Sorry about that.

[Dick H]

The C-39s were reported to be in White River Jct. VT at noontime today...

[atsf sp]

Well that explains it.

[mkittredge]

The 3 old GE's went north yesterday on the Washington County. Saw them in St. Johnsbury, Vt. at 5:45 P.M.

[PEIR]

Were these units formerly painted grey and used in Conrail's Ballast Express service?

[MEC407]

Nope.

If I recall correctly, the Ballast Express units were C32-8s, not C39-8s. They do look very similar (both models have the round cab roof and "humpback" appearance), but the C39-8s have eight power assembly access doors per side, while the C32-8s have six per side.

[mkittredge]

Can anybody tell me where the 3 old GE's are now? Are they in the shop at Derby? Thanks.

[MEC407]

C39-8 #8202 is in service: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=408399

[mkittredge]

Thanks for the update and the great picture.

[MEC407]

8208 is in service, and looking quite intimidating in all-black: http://steelribbon.smugmug.com/Other/C3 ... B&lb=1&s=A

[fogg1703]

Any word on 8207? Parts donor or possibly being readied for service? Are these monsters compatible partswise with the existing GE fleet or are they truly oddballs?

[MEC407]

I don't think they're any more or less compatible than, for instance, the B23-7s and the B39-8Es. Certainly there are some differences, but nothing insurmountable. I reckon the C39s have more in common with the Dash 7s and Dash 8s than the GP7s have in common with the SD40-2s.

[KSmitty]

C39-8, B39-8 same thing only difference is axle count and trucks. They are essentially the same machine. Parts compatibility should be damn near 100%. The B23's are older, and different in many ways, electrics mostly, but share several mechanical parts...

[fogg1703]

Thanks for the info.

[nhmma]

Is there any word (or pictures) on the SD40-2's?