[Bordercollie]

That would be nice a nice to have. And a real F U to Progress Rail.

Considering that GO is an EMD/Cummins shop I think it's unlikely for them to go to a Caterpillar platform. More MP54's could be a possibility...

 

[WB62]

Considering that GO is an EMD/Cummins shop I think it's unlikely for them to go to a Caterpillar platform. More MP54's could be a possibility...

Is MPI still offering the MP54’s?

 

[Bordercollie]

Is MPI still offering the MP54’s?

I'm sure for the right size of order for hey have make it happen.

 

[RU479]

Is MPI still offering the MP54’s?

MPI doesn't exist anymore, ever since Wabtec and GE merged, the Boise, Idaho plant (where all the MPXpress locomotives were built) was closed in 2020. Wabtec is currently not listing the MP54 for sale, so it is very unlikely MP54s would be offered.

 

[RU479]

Considering that GO is an EMD/Cummins shop I think it's unlikely for them to go to a Caterpillar platform. More MP54's could be a possibility...

The Siemens Charger has a Cummins prime mover though?

 

[gotransitboyhere]

Siemens chargers do not much the height of the bi levels, Go has.

 

[SaugeenJunction]

Siemens chargers do not much the height of the bi levels, Go has.

Though not a perfect match, the SC-44 Charger is pretty close.

I have a nagging feeling (which has been wrong before) that the EMD F125 might be a winner here, just based on the charger order backlogs. Anything but the SD70MACH please.

 

[WB62]

Though not a perfect match, the SC-44 Charger is pretty close.
View attachment 446157

I have a nagging feeling (which has been wrong before) that the EMD F125 might be a winner here, just based on the charger order backlogs. Anything but the SD70MACH please.

In terms of matching well with the Bi-Levels, those match far better than the current MPI locomotives do.

 

[smallspy]

Considering that GO is an EMD/Cummins shop I think it's unlikely for them to go to a Caterpillar platform. More MP54's could be a possibility...

GO has had experience with Caterpillar engines for far longer than it has with Cummins. Not that any of that makes the slightest bit of a difference.....in many respects, a diesel engine is a diesel engine. It's only when they need to be taken apart that they start to differ in maintenance.

MPI doesn't exist anymore, ever since Wabtec and GE merged, the Boise, Idaho plant (where all the MPXpress locomotives were built) was closed in 2020. Wabtec is currently not listing the MP54 for sale, so it is very unlikely MP54s would be offered.

Just because the factory is closed doesn't mean that they can't continue to build the product. Wabtec has the designs still. Creating new jigs for components is no problem as the price per unit is far higher than for a freight loco, which are all built to basically the their own same designs. Money talks.

Siemens chargers do not much the height of the bi levels, Go has.

And why does this matter?

Dan

 

[WB62]

Honestly I don’t see the issue with different types of engines, I’m sure GO isn’t like Metra and is open to being able to have locomotives from different manufacturers, if not then GO will one day back themselves into a corner and do something like this:

 

[crs1026]

Honestly I don’t see the issue with different types of engines, I’m sure GO isn’t like Metra and is open to being able to have locomotives from different manufacturers, if not then GO will one day back themselves into a corner and do something like this:

While I have heard many people express upset over Metra buying such rebuilds, I’m still baffled why anyone would care.
I get that six-axle units may be an odd choice and might have cost con’s (extra wheels and motors) - but these units are slated for service on mixed use corridors where all the freight units are very similar.
Presumably there was an economic analysis that said that this purchase made sense in terms of operability, maintainability, reliability, life cycle costs, etc.
I’m sure GO Transit would never consider recycling worn out freight units if they were cheaply available and matched the underlying technology and servicing/ operating expertise in their own organization and existing fleet.
Except - they already did that, and it worked for a couple of decades.
- Paul

 

[SaugeenJunction]

While I have heard many people express upset over Metra buying such rebuilds, I’m still baffled why anyone would care.
I get that six-axle units may be an odd choice and might have cost con’s (extra wheels and motors) - but these units are slated for service on mixed use corridors where all the freight units are very similar.
Presumably there was an economic analysis that said that this purchase made sense in terms of operability, maintainability, reliability, life cycle costs, etc.
I’m sure GO Transit would never consider recycling worn out freight units if they were cheaply available and matched the underlying technology and servicing/ operating expertise in their own organization and existing fleet.
Except - they already did that, and it worked for a couple of decades.
- Paul

Part of the reason I don’t want GO to get the SD70MACHs is that they only meet Tier 3 EPA standards, not Tier 4. Evidently only 2 of the 3 axels are powered, so that helps with efficiency.

There is a less logical part of me that just doesn’t like the idea of a mainline freight-looking loco working for GO, a system which is moving towards a “surface subway” model of service. That’s an emotional argument however, not a fact-based one.

 

[RU479]

Part of the reason I don’t want GO to get the SD70MACHs is that they only meet Tier 3 EPA standards, not Tier 4. Evidently only 2 of the 3 axels are powered, so that helps with efficiency.

There is a less logical part of me that just doesn’t like the idea of a mainline freight-looking loco working for GO, a system which is moving towards a “surface subway” model of service. That’s an emotional argument however, not a fact-based one.

Considering the fact that GO at one point put their foot down and prevented the YDHR from operating freight services along the Stouffville line with a big 6 axle ALCO years ago. I am confident that GO will not get the SD70MACH or anything similar.

What I would NOT rule out however is used locos in general, such as older retired passenger locos.

 

[crs1026]

Part of the reason I don’t want GO to get the SD70MACHs is that they only meet Tier 3 EPA standards, not Tier 4. Evidently only 2 of the 3 axels are powered, so that helps with efficiency.

There is a less logical part of me that just doesn’t like the idea of a mainline freight-looking loco working for GO, a system which is moving towards a “surface subway” model of service. That’s an emotional argument however, not a fact-based one.

Tier 3 is a good reason not to buy. I am certain GO will buy Tieyr 4 or nothing.

- Paul

 

[smallspy]

Part of the reason I don’t want GO to get the SD70MACHs is that they only meet Tier 3 EPA standards, not Tier 4. Evidently only 2 of the 3 axels are powered, so that helps with efficiency.

If GO's tenders specifically call for new locomotives - and it sounds like they are - than this is a non-issue.

There is a less logical part of me that just doesn’t like the idea of a mainline freight-looking loco working for GO, a system which is moving towards a “surface subway” model of service. That’s an emotional argument however, not a fact-based one.

At least you concede that it's pretty silly.

It's also less silly than not having enough locos to run the service.

Considering the fact that GO at one point put their foot down and prevented the YDHR from operating freight services along the Stouffville line with a big 6 axle ALCO years ago. I am confident that GO will not get the SD70MACH or anything similar.

I have no idea where you would have heard this. YDHR has never had a 6-axle locomotive.

Metrolinx also does not prevent CN or CP from operating 6-axle locos on their tracks.

Dan