by Ken S.
I think the model in question at the time would have been a "U34BH" since the U34CH was basically a U36C with some HP used for the HEP system, this model would have been a U36B built to similar specs.
Railroad Forums
Moderators: MEC407, AMTK84
Ken S. wrote:I think the model in question at the time would have been a "U34BH" since the U34CH was basically a U36C with some HP used for the HEP system, this model would have been a U36B built to similar specs.Quite right, although I was envisioning it in the late Dash 7 or early Dash 8 era, and with a full cowl carbody (in order to compete with the F40PH).
mtuandrew wrote:Another question, in the four-motor vein, though more directed as a modern-day E or PA:Depending on the speeds involved, I don't see why it couldn't be possible. I do think, however, that there is still a lot of fear and suspicion among U.S. railroads regarding six-axle passenger units. I find this similar to the distrust of 20-cylinder engines based on the early problems with the SD45, even though those problems were eventually ironed out. No railroad or commuter agency wants to be the first to give a six-axle passenger unit a try, and possibly find out "the hard way" that it was a bad idea. :-\
Both GE and EMD-Cat have a fair amount of experience with steerable six-axle trucks, and have recently rolled out new versions of the old two-motor, three-axle A1A (or B1) truck. Amtrak has turned down six-axle equipment since the E60MA rebuilds were retired, except for rental equipment on work trains. However, should a commuter agency be interested, would there be any issues with creating an ES44C4H (ES44HC4, PE44H, what have you) with HEP and steerable trucks? It seems like length and weight wouldn't be an issue, since the ES60AC (AC6000CW conversions) ride on the same frame with a larger prime mover.
MEC407 wrote:mtuandrew wrote:Another question, in the four-motor vein, though more directed as a modern-day E or PA:Depending on the speeds involved, I don't see why it couldn't be possible. I do think, however, that there is still a lot of fear and suspicion among U.S. railroads regarding six-axle passenger units. I find this similar to the distrust of 20-cylinder engines based on the early problems with the SD45, even though those problems were eventually ironed out. No railroad or commuter agency wants to be the first to give a six-axle passenger unit a try, and possibly find out "the hard way" that it was a bad idea. :-\
Both GE and EMD-Cat have a fair amount of experience with steerable six-axle trucks, and have recently rolled out new versions of the old two-motor, three-axle A1A (or B1) truck. Amtrak has turned down six-axle equipment since the E60MA rebuilds were retired, except for rental equipment on work trains. However, should a commuter agency be interested, would there be any issues with creating an ES44C4H (ES44HC4, PE44H, what have you) with HEP and steerable trucks? It seems like length and weight wouldn't be an issue, since the ES60AC (AC6000CW conversions) ride on the same frame with a larger prime mover.
Backshophoss wrote:The P-32-BWH was a -8 40B variant,how does P-44(c4)-BWH sound as an EVO 44c4 variant??I like it, and I'm guessing that they'd call it an "ES44C4H" or something like that. They dropped the "W" when they introduced the Evolution Series, and they wouldn't use a "B" in this model's designation unless it had B-B trucks. The cowl version would also include the letter "P"... probably "ES44C4PH" or similar. Or they could just give it a whole new model name, such as P44AC.
2behind1 wrote:By the early 1970's , the carrier was looking to replace the first L1's (C420's), RS1's ,Rs3's, and S1's. ALCO was not building engines in the US and the carrier was not buying MLW engines from Canada. The serious option considered was GE and the UB18's . However, when the new Master Mechanic came from the Milwaukee Road (which just ordered MP 15's), the order was placed for MP15's and the GP38's.How about it - baby U-boats opposite power-pack FAs on the LIRR, push-pulling MP72 sets? Maybe even a cowled version of the U18B?