I am not surprised to read that the 50 series are a maintenance nightmare. The full width carbody units are great if its below zero and the unit is undergoing a load test. I never did understand why the railroads ordered the full width carbody configuration. Every time we needed to move one (full width carbody), "borrowing" the yard switcher was the best choice.
I don't think I have had a bad Cowl unit. Here in Canda they keep the cabs in good shape. Like we have the fridges and microwaves too. We do have the right to refuse a unit that the microwave or fridge doesnt work.
Down in the states you get it ... its just a collective agreemtn thing. We still have a great one here in Canda. Hunter wants it gone ... but as long as its here our work life is great and the units are usually clean.