D.Carleton wrote:UP has over 100 underpowered AC44's on the roster capable (in theory) of a 2000 hp upgrade. UP's system is vast enough to achieve thorough testing in all manners of service. But this shan't happen due to bureaucratic interference.
First, the AC6000 Convertibles (C6044AC in UP parlance) are not underpowered for the service they are assigned to.
Second, UP's system has already conducted all the testing necessary of 6000 HP locomotives for the past 10 years.
Third, it has nothing to do with bureaucratic interference -- there are two other reasons. Primary reason they won't be upgraded is that UP has discovered that the disadvantages of 6000 HP outweigh the advantages; secondary reason is that upgrading the EMD and GE convertibles is more complicated than expected.
You will not see GE develop a 6000 HP Evolution Series locomotive for North America unless a North American RR asks for one.