by NS/CSX Pittsburgh Fan
Which locomotive actually offers the most comfort and is the easiest to operate, always wondered about that.
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Which loco offers the most comfort, easiest to operate?
- General discussion about locomotives, rolling stock, and equipment
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by Jtgshu
UPRR engineer wrote:SD40's, or any older EMD with a standard control stand. Good power, do as they're told, put your feet on the heater and run all the controls with your left hand.Amen - now, imagine if the heater manufacturer would put little cushions on the top of the heater to keep your feet from going numb, that would be absolutely perfect!
On the RR, "believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see"
John, aka "JTGSHU" passed away on August 26, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion to railroading at railroad.net.
John, aka "JTGSHU" passed away on August 26, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion to railroading at railroad.net.
by NV290
UPRR engineer wrote:SD40's, or any older EMD with a standard control stand. Good power, do as they're told, put your feet on the heater and run all the controls with your left hand.
Agreed. Although the desktop EMD's and GE's are nice if you like to have a place for all your stuff. I have room for my cell phone, Locoverter, snacks, magazines etc. CSX puts seat tracks in that allow you slide the seat all the way back to the rear cab wall with ease. If you have long legs, it does not get any easier to stretch out. As for ride quality, any EMD without M style trucks. SD40's and SD45's ride like Cadillacs.
As for easier to operate in general? any older EMD without the motorized reverse gear. EMD's load fast and pull great. Very little lag. No annoying 4 cycle chug and vibration.
by CSX Conductor
I agree that the older stuff is better in many ways. The EMD SD40-2 was always my favorite, especially since the newer engines keep getting more and more computerized leaving the engineer less control of the locomotive.
I must say that I agree about the GEVO's having room for stuff on the desktop, but I'd prefer an SD40-2 anyday. As for locos with desk-tops, I'd prefer the CW60AC's because they are so powerful, and respond very quickly.
But for now I guess I'll just have to deal with the smaller version of my favorite, the EMD GP40-2, which is all we use around here on the locals.
I must say that I agree about the GEVO's having room for stuff on the desktop, but I'd prefer an SD40-2 anyday. As for locos with desk-tops, I'd prefer the CW60AC's because they are so powerful, and respond very quickly.
But for now I guess I'll just have to deal with the smaller version of my favorite, the EMD GP40-2, which is all we use around here on the locals.
by GN 599
Any older EMD. The 4 axle models are a little bouncy though. I guess if you dont run on jointed rail like we do where I work is not an issue. The new GEVO's dont have that desktop control stand anymore thank god. Its the ''older'' style like an old GE or EMD. They have tall seats that adjust anyway you like. They even tilt back. Next best thing to putting your feet up on the heater on an SD40-2.
What a long strange trip its been.
by GN 599
CSX Conductor wrote:I didnt even think about that! I cant seem to get them to lock in to place either. Maybe I am not smarter than the chair I guess...GN 599 wrote:They have tall seats that adjust anyway you like.The big problem with GEVO engineer seats when they are trailing units is that you hav to make sure they are locked in place because if they swivel they could hit the Automatic Brake handle and dump the train.
What a long strange trip its been.
by CN_Hogger
powerpro69 wrote:Exactly, and I want my conductor well rested so he can stay awake when we're at redboards!!!CN_Hogger wrote:and thats just wrong, someone has to be the grade indicatorCSX Conductor wrote:MaybeWouldn't that involve waking up the conductor?!that's why CSXT SafeWay rules state that two people are required when adjusting a chair, LOL.