by Pilbara Rail
BHP's loading gauge differs quite a lot from PR's. They can use off the shelf GE's, BHP can't. Hence the differences with the AC6000.
GE was not interested in doing any mods to the -9 or the 44AC for BHP at the time of early talks, EMD would also not do any mods to the SD70M as it was at the time.
In the finish EMD would do the mods etc for BHP using EDI (Aust. agents for EMD) to finish the loco in Australia and setup the locotrol ATP etc.
BHP also liked the dual a/c unit in the cab (I was told this by the project manager). One point that caught BHP out was the cab not being isolated, like the current order for 10 more is.
Yes it's true that PR has had a good run with the -9 unit, just like BHP has had an outstanding run with the fleet of -8 units.
PR and FMG have new -9 units on order, 10 for PR and 15 for FMG. PR has also signed a deal for 10 new EVO units ex-works late 2007.
GE was not interested in doing any mods to the -9 or the 44AC for BHP at the time of early talks, EMD would also not do any mods to the SD70M as it was at the time.
In the finish EMD would do the mods etc for BHP using EDI (Aust. agents for EMD) to finish the loco in Australia and setup the locotrol ATP etc.
BHP also liked the dual a/c unit in the cab (I was told this by the project manager). One point that caught BHP out was the cab not being isolated, like the current order for 10 more is.
Yes it's true that PR has had a good run with the -9 unit, just like BHP has had an outstanding run with the fleet of -8 units.
PR and FMG have new -9 units on order, 10 for PR and 15 for FMG. PR has also signed a deal for 10 new EVO units ex-works late 2007.