by KSmitty
Engineer Spike wrote:Now many 20 year old 60 series and -8 units are being retired. If Jr. is trying to get his house in order, this might be the way to go. Sure they will have to train staff on the computer diagnostics. The game changer might be costs savings. 3 of the for mentioned units can do the work of 4 SD40s. This means less units, and less fuel. If they had a few, they could run through to CSX, just like the old DE SD40s did with Conrail. This could keep the power balance from getting in arrears, or needing to pay cash, as 2 SD40s on CSX are just a drop in. the bucket.I was actually thinking SD60's would be the next logical step for Pan Am. For the reasons you mention, you get a 3:4 unit reduction, they are starting to come up for sale (CITX has 21 xSOO units that Altoona is working through at least the paint booth, maybe doing an overhaul as well? after sitting for a year+ might mean good price...), more fuel efficient. I understand the desire they have to be all 645, but the 645 has some limitations, in both power and efficiency.