Rebuilding an E8

[Engineer James]

Now, I have done some research, and still have a few questions.

> Why is it so hard to get a new tesla coil?

> How many EMD people still know how to work with the A1A trucks?

> Could 1 or 2 be put back in service besides a dinner train operation? (the Ex-MARC ones) http://www.trains-trams-trolleys.com/ho ... motive.htm

(See bottom row of page for locomotives)

[U-Haul]

E8s are ill suited for freight service. Actually, any E-unit is ill suited for freight service. While they may have 6 axles only the outer four are powered and the inner two are just idlers (think that is spelled correctly.) E-units are better suited for lighter, faster passenger trains than slower, heavier freight trains.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=108641
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=168790

[pennsy]

Hi,

Some time ago, Union Pacific rebuilt its A-B-A consist of E-9's. The three units were totally gutted, and you could stand on the pilot of one and see clear through to the last unit, nothing to block your view. They were rebuilt internally as GP-38's, and could deliver 2000 hp per unit for a total of 6000 hp. Excellent reliability and anyone that could drive a Geep could drive those E-9's. Still have A1A trucks on all units. All in Armour Yellow and usually used for their Vista Dome passenger consist. One beautiful train.

[Engineer James]

So they POSSIBILY could be rebuilt with Geep Primes and parts?? Because I was told that those ex-MARC's could ONLY be used in a passenger diner capacity.

[DutchRailnut]

No you were told the E-8''s were not fit for daily commuter service and to expensive to be rebuilt as such.
That they were more suitable for tourist or dinning service.
You like to twist answers given too you so you go to other forums and twist the truth.

See Detroit tread on Amtrak forum

[ExEMDLOCOTester]

With enough money (I am talking Mega Bucks), an E-8 could be configured as an SD 90.

[pablo]

What is all of this research done for? I mean, where do these questions come from, and what is their purpose?

Dutch is right...answers are given and then redically altered to suit some other purpose, a purpose that perhap only you know. I sure don't know it.

Dave Becker

[mxdata]

Nicely stated, Dave and Dutch. Lately this forum is getting to be "this one said" versus "this one said", which is all just a matter of opinions and turns the discussion into a waste of time and effort.

[charlie6017]

And with that (drum roll).........................<Lock>