Metra F40C 611/614 Status

CNW5022-A519 wrote:he is a Metra Engineer

Can you prove this?

Just because he says he's a Metra engineer doesn't mean he truly is. I've followed these forums for quite some time; and up to this point, I have felt no need to join in on the immaturity. From what I've seen, AMTK84 does his very best to provide factual information; some which we may not want to hear, but never the less factual information. Perhaps it's time that we leave the business of providing factual information to the people who can actually do it; and perhaps it is also time to speak openly "I wish the F40C's were still in service", rather than making up false information just to try and force yourself to believe that the F40C's might return in the near future.

Bottom line, the F40C's are likely to never run again in mainline service. They were great engines while they served at Metra, but having a bad attitude about new locomotives, and new experiences in general, won't get you anywhere in the scheme of life.

Nothing more need be said.

I opened this thread to keep track of the final days of 611/614 on Metra property (although any news about the others is welcome). Hopefully, someone will have information on their final disposition, be it a museum or otherwise. And if by some strange chance, they are used on Metra for some other purpose, it would be great to know about it also.

Just please, no cheap shots or anything else that will get this thing locked. Thanks in advance.

First things first. This is the engineer formerly known as hymietown. Someone took offense to my handle and i could not access the forum. I am an engineer (Pro_f40c), proud of what I do, and feel no need to "prove" myself to you or anyone else. Secondly, What I said was that the engines at western ave. were not officially retired, and that individuals, including members of management (operations) would like to see them out on the main again. Third, I do not speak unless I am prepared to research and back up what I say, or even what I am told. After I read the post from AMTK84, I went to the head of the mechanical department myself, in person. The 611/614 are not officially retired. They were purchased using funds that included RTA money. Metra does not possess sole ownership. These funds are "pro-rated" so to speak. After "x" amount of time the RTA will hold no claim to any part of the engines. If not for this, these engines would have already been sold by METRA. In addition, as soon as this time comes you will see the 611 and the 614 on the main line... being towed to their new owner.

If I stated that the F40C's were formally retired, I stand corrected. It was my impression that 611 and 614 were on the propperty and in working condition only because of the funding agreement.

However...I have come to this conclusion: no matter who we talk to and what those people tell us, we'll never get a "straight official answer". In sitchuations like this, only time will tell. There is no point slamming each other about if they are or aren't Metra employees, the fact of the matter is that we'll just have to wait and see what happens. I'd like to think that my source knows everything and can give official, always-correct answers but that is not the case.

And if you think its easy to say that publicly, please think again.

Agreed 100%, AMTK84. Very well said.

Anyone know for sure where 611 and 614 are?

614 and 611 are in the diesel house for mechanical evaluation and work. See the "locomotive assignment and maintainence changes" topic for more info.

AMTK84 wrote:614 and 611 are in the diesel house for mechanical evaluation and work. See the "locomotive assignment and maintainence changes" topic for more info.

Is this fact or speculation? I kind of wanted this thread to stick to hard facts.

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... &start=300

The information you want to look at is near the bottom of the page.

AMTK84 wrote:http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... &start=300

The information you want to look at is near the bottom of the page.

I read that thread before. What I'm asking is has anyone actually seen or touched them in the shop? I've seen many statements from sources in the past that turned out to be not 100% accurate. I'm not implying that people are lying, I'm just asking if is it hard fact or hearsay.

I was told by a cupple Metra employees that they are there, but I do see where you're coming from.

My sources tell me that they are in the house to be made road ready. Do not be surprised if you see them in service, That's right, I said in service over the fourth of July weekend as either "protector units" at CUS or maybe even on the road. The first scenario seems a lot more likely. When I work on Friday I'll Find out the final plan (maybe even sooner) and post it for those interested in seeing them up close.

NIRCMAN wrote:My sources tell me that they are in the house to be made road ready. Do not be surprised if you see them in service, That's right, I said in service over the fourth of July weekend as either "protector units" at CUS or maybe even on the road. The first scenario seems a lot more likely. When I work on Friday I'll Find out the final plan (maybe even sooner) and post it for those interested in seeing them up close.

Great!!! Thanks!!!

June 29, 2006 update: one F40C will be run ONCE AND ONLY ONCE in July, and the other one will be run ONCE AND ONLY ONCE in August, just to insure that they remain in opporating condition.

AMTK84 wrote:June 29, 2006 update: one F40C will be run ONCE AND ONLY ONCE in July, and the other one will be run ONCE AND ONLY ONCE in August, just to insure that they remain in opporating condition.

I sure hope this pans out. Not only would it nice to see them on the road doing what they do best, but I dont want to have to read through another lecture on what a retired locomotive is.