VIA Rail tendering to once again refurbish the F40PH fleet

[dowlingm]

https://www.merx.com/solicitations/open ... 0000261622

VIA is operating a fleet of fifty-one (51) GPA-30H locomotives, that were built by General Motors (EMD) from 1986 to 1989. The objective of this project is to further extend the expected lifetime of thirty-nine (39) GPA-30H locomotives until 2035 by restoring system performance and increasing reliability. In order to better respond to its commercial needs and operational constraints, VIA is looking to analyze the possibility of overhauling the locomotives according to a fixed and optional number of units, as explained in the ITT Scope of Work.
It is to be noted that this program is NOT related to VIA’s Long-Distance, Regional and Remote Fleet Renewal project (LDRR).

[keyinternal]

Restoring and extending the lifespan of the GPA-30H locomotives is a strategic move for VIA, ensuring continued performance and reliability until 2035. The flexible approach to overhauling, as outlined in the ITT Scope of Work, demonstrates VIA's commitment to addressing commercial needs and operational requirements effectively.

[Tadman]

I don't disagree with this effort, but would it be easier to order fifty one SD70MACH rebuilds like Metra did, and have an entirely new fleet show up, undergo testing, and replace the existing motors without having to rotate useful existing motors out for rebuild? Especially when one considers the F40 fleet does more long-distance trains and remote trains that don't run as fast as corridor trains.

[electricron]

If the Canadian government is so concerned with carbon emissions, why are they refurbishing so many F40PH locomotives with the dirtiest carbon and other noxious gasses emissions in service in North America today?
If you are going to use diesel locomotives, buy some new or used locomotives meeting the latest Tier 4 emissions standard. EMD, GE, and Siemens (Caterpillar) are building Tier 4 capable locomotives.

[dowlingm]

If the Canadian government is so concerned with carbon emissions, why are they refurbishing so many F40PH locomotives with the dirtiest carbon and other noxious gasses emissions in service in North America today?
If you are going to use diesel locomotives, buy some new or used locomotives meeting the latest Tier 4 emissions standard. EMD, GE, and Siemens (Caterpillar) are building Tier 4 capable locomotives.

Money would be a large part of it. Those 32 trainsets from Siemens for the Corridor don’t come cheap. The F40s will stagger along to 2035 which is also when VIA have declared the 1940s/1950s passenger stock to be end of life, and if VIA doesn’t get $ to renew the LDSL fleet there’s no point in buying more locomotives, and when that time comes I suspect it will be whatever Siemens are selling.

I’m not sure what you’re suggesting VIA might buy from GE (Wabtec) since the HSP46 seems to be a dead end and GE have been out of the passenger business since the P42s that VIA will soon consider surplus to requirements.

As for EMD, I doubt many (at least in Ontario) are dying to see a ton of money sent their way given how much anger there was about how they pulled out their plant out of London and sent the work to Indiana. And that’s before taking into account the difficulty EMD have had selling F125s to anyone other than Metrolink.

[eolesen]

As for EMD, I doubt many (at least in Ontario) are dying to see a ton of money sent their way given how much anger there was about how they pulled out their plant out of London and sent the work to Indiana. And that’s before taking into account the difficulty EMD have had selling F125s to anyone other than Metrolink.

Haw many decision makers care about a shutdown from 12 years ago? Maybe some people in London and the union members affected, but it hasn't stopped CN or CP from ordering EMD's.

[dowlingm]

CN and CP aren’t buying those EMDs with tax dollars, though.

[R36 Combine Coach]

See also NJT, which might find itself cheaper to rebuild the grandfathered (pre-EPA) GP40s as far back as 1965 over all new diesels.

[Tadman]

If the Canadian government is so concerned with carbon emissions, why are they refurbishing so many F40PH locomotives with the dirtiest carbon and other noxious gasses emissions in service in North America today?

DIdn't they convert them to pony motor HEP at the last rebuild? That would mean the engines turn a lot slower and emit less junk.

[electricron]

HEP alternators or not for hotel power, they are still Tier 0 diesels instead of the state of the art Tier 4.

[dowlingm]

The 2035 date is also when VIA claim the HEP fleet (so basically the entirety of the non-Corridor fleet) will be unserviceable/unusable. They seem to be setting up a cliff hanger to force the government to commit to an LD procurement for both power and coaches.