by AC Fan
I live near the Union Pacific's former C&NW main line from Chicago to Omaha. For years I've seen AC4400's and SD9043MAC's on coal. However, I have never seen their new ES44AC's or SD70ACe's on coal, but instead, only on intermodal or "general" freights (often mixed in with DC motored SD70M's and Dash 9's). Given the AC traction motors on these new units, they would obviously be just as capable on heavy coal trains as anything - which leads me to believe that UP has simply been testing the "economics" of using this newest generation of AC-drive locomotives on "non-heavy haul" trains (in other words, to see what differences in operation/maintenance costs there are, if any, versus DC-drive locomotives in the same type of service). Perhaps UP is trying to see if these newest AC offerings can offset the higher initial purchase price (vs. DC drive units) with lower long-term operational/maintenance costs.
Anyone out there heard any confirmation or alternative explanation as to why no ES44AC's or SD70ACe's on Union Pacific coal trains? Thanks.
Anyone out there heard any confirmation or alternative explanation as to why no ES44AC's or SD70ACe's on Union Pacific coal trains? Thanks.