The concept of buying cheap locomotives, running them into the ground and then scrapping them while buying more cheap locomotives (a power management style pioneered by Guilford) is not a management style that the MMA has adopted. The MMA has shown thus far to be dedicated to rebuilding the GEs that have suffered major failures. Of the initial 28 GEs to be used by the MMA, only 3 are not currently in service, the 3607, 8544 and 8563. The two B39s both threw a rod, which typically is fatal for the engine block. The 3607 burned up its generator. The 5016 lost its block some time ago, and it was replaced (I believe using the 3607's, but I could be wrong). Either way the unit was repaired. The 3000 (ex. 3605) just completed a major overhaul, including a complete rewire job, not a small task. Other units are in the planning stages for the same overhaul (to the best of my knowledge). Also, the 8592 was repaired after significant damage in a grade crossing accident. The MMA has had significant difficulties with keeping the GEs running in the winter, but each year the number of problems decrease as the maintenance personnel become more familiar with the units (Derby pretty much was an all-EMD shop until the MMA takeover). If you look at the list of the initial group of BNSF B23s to go up for auction, you will notice that only 7 of the 14 listed were stored in good order. The MMA purchased these 7. As much as I hate to say it (they should have bought EMDs, IMO), these GEs are gonna be around for a long time.