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classictrains In reply to ZCochrane [2009-06-28 00:53:40 +0000 UTC]

There are a lot of factors in play here. First and foremost this train was a local switch job... not a through freight... for those tasks it is quite common for railroads to pair up a couple of these older lower horsepower units. It is my impression that these older technology units are more reliable, though less fuel efficient, and more suitable for stop and go, forward and reverse moves. The thing that surprised me most was that it was clean and appeared to be freshly painted. I really do expect these units to disappear very soon.

Santa Fe has always been an active rebuilder... but this unit is actually ex-BN and according to the Wiki GP30 page [link] "The Burlington Northern Railroad was the most extensive rebuilder of GP30s. Finding a need for modernized units of lower power, it sent GP30s—-both its own and units purchased from other railroads-—to be rebuilt. Seventy units were sent to EMD and 65 to Morrison Knudsen (now Washington Group International) for rebuilding, and the rebuilds are known as GP39E and GP39M respectively. The changes included new generators, Dash-2 modular electronic control systems and 567D3 engines upgraded with EMD 645-series power assemblies, rated at 2,300 hp (1,720 kW) and designated 12-645D3. These units are still in service on local and smaller lines throughout the BNSF Railway system."

"The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF), meanwhile, performed a similar upgrade in its own Cleburne, Texas shops, stripping the locomotives down to bare metal and rebuilding with new equipment. The 567 engines retained their 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) rating but were upgraded with 645-series power assemblies. The generators and traction motors were upgraded and control and electrical equipment was replaced. The trucks received Hyatt roller bearings and single-clasp brake systems. Rooftop air conditioners and new horns were added. The locomotives were repainted in the blue and yellow Yellowbonnet scheme, and designated GP30u (for upgraded). 78 of these survived until the BNSF merger, and most are still in use in secondary service."

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ZCochrane In reply to classictrains [2009-06-28 08:56:12 +0000 UTC]

Ah, thank you for all this information!

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classictrains In reply to ZCochrane [2009-06-28 14:30:23 +0000 UTC]

So... though they carry the hood line of a GP30... there is very little left of the original 40+ year old moving parts.

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ZCochrane In reply to classictrains [2009-06-28 18:54:26 +0000 UTC]

Makes me wonder whether it's worth it. Are a new frame, body and trucks that expensive, especially if a new locomotive will probably have a longer lifetime than such a rebuild? I guess it has, otherwise they probably wouldn't have done it, but it is weird.

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classictrains In reply to ZCochrane [2009-06-29 02:38:10 +0000 UTC]

Actually the frame, traction motors, and trucks are the most durable pieces and can last a long time. (Excepting the DD35 & DD40.)

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classictrains In reply to hunter1828 [2009-06-27 19:44:26 +0000 UTC]

I was pleased to see the new paint. It suggests there's life left in them yet.

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hunter1828 In reply to classictrains [2009-06-27 21:50:11 +0000 UTC]

I fear it may not last long; BNSF is slowly retiring all the GP39Ms.

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classictrains In reply to JDAWG9806 [2009-06-27 19:38:28 +0000 UTC]

there was a flood of trains... when I was there yesterday an old codger came up to me and told me that weekday evenings were the best time for trains.... I was there from about 5 PM to 7 PM and saw 4 BNSF freights and I lost count of the Scoots. the geezer said that there was usually an IAIS train around 8 PM but I left before then.

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JDAWG9806 In reply to classictrains [2009-06-27 23:10:03 +0000 UTC]

When I was there in January some homeless guy started demanding I get him a sandwich, you gotta watch out for those crazies that lurk in the station.

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