Was just curious as to how often does lets say EMD come up with a newly designed locomotive whether body shape or new engine?
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How often are new designs released?
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At the risk of being overly "simplistic" here, I will say "whenever it becomes necessary". New models are produced when it becomes necessary to update older designs, comply with ever tightening regulations, to satisfy customer needs/demands, etc. Making more power on less fuel another reason, or "keeping up with the Joneses" (or GE's, Alcos, etc)
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Any Train, Anytime, Anywhere.....
Any Train, Anytime, Anywhere.....
if you're talking about minor changes here, i'd say "from batch to batch"
different customer spec, supplier availability and issues with previous units make them change their designs from batch to batch (sometimes in the middle of a batch).
For example the last CN SD70M-2 order had the side sashes from a different supplier because the original supplier was occupied by military supply orders, and the trim pieces has to be changed... Also the HVAC ducts designs are changed when production has already started so the first couple cabs has to be modified while the later ones get the real new design... Antivibe materials were added on the plastic side walls, on the outside in the beginning... and the sidewall supplier put them inside and behind the sidewall since the middle of the run...
different customer spec, supplier availability and issues with previous units make them change their designs from batch to batch (sometimes in the middle of a batch).
For example the last CN SD70M-2 order had the side sashes from a different supplier because the original supplier was occupied by military supply orders, and the trim pieces has to be changed... Also the HVAC ducts designs are changed when production has already started so the first couple cabs has to be modified while the later ones get the real new design... Antivibe materials were added on the plastic side walls, on the outside in the beginning... and the sidewall supplier put them inside and behind the sidewall since the middle of the run...
i meant more like a whole new cab/long hood/ design. I've seen several different orders from different combo's like that one iron ore company who got a lower roof on the cab, and another got the old style sd70mac flared radiators.