SD40-3 rebuild program.

So what are the details of this program? Will all of the SD40-2's be rebuilt, how many are all ready in the process, and how many are completed? It looks like they are getting a new cab and short hood, any information on that?

currently there are 10 CSX SD40-3 rebuilds, #4000-4009. 20 additional units are reported to be rebuilt during 2011. Simply put, the locomotives are completely stripped to the bare frame with all components and wiring replaced by new or refurbished equipment. Trucks completely rebuilt. Any sheetmetal work which may be required is performed. The existing cab and shorthood are removed and replaced with newly fabricated noses and cabs from Wabtec. The new cabs already have new control stands w/computer displays installed. A new Q-Tron microprocessor package is installed as well. The end result is an essentially new locomotive.

Bryan Jones
Brooks,KY

They pretty much look the same on the outside with exception of the r/v style ac units on the cab roof.

Looks like a GE cab on a EMD.

http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad26 ... 8-2011.jpg

http://cnj98.rrpicturearchives.net/show ... id=2423795

Boy is that ugly.....

161pw165 wrote:Boy is that ugly.....

Probably more efficient for the crew, but a face that only a mother could love!

wow, that is different from the ones I've seen. I have seen a few with the same cabs, but with the RV A/C units on the roof and completely remodeled interiors, simular to the SD50-3 rebuilds. This is a different program than what I thought. As far as crew efficiency for the cabs, the GE's seemed to have slightly small door dimensions, but the interiors were about the same. Hope I get to check one out soon. I am intrigued.

Will they be in the regular road service pool as they have been thus far, or will they be assigned to yard and local duty?

I wonder if the infamous 8888 will be part of this program.

being CSX is focusing on the rebuild program instead of buying new. I'd expect these to be in road service normally. There are always exceptions.

Very ugly, one wonders why you'd even try to make anything different than what they came with. I assume the cab replacement is for asbestos abatement, similar to NS's GP38-2 rebuild program?

lvrr325 wrote:I assume the cab replacement is for asbestos abatement, similar to NS's GP38-2 rebuild program?

I was thinking that as well. As far as the HVAC units, i believe they are built into the ceiling/roof?

What are the chances of seeing these in West Springfield Ma ??

Dave

Well, I'd assume that because you're on the B&A, you have just as good a chance of seeing the one of ten that have completed out of a huge number that are slated for rebuild as seeing a regular SD40-2.

CSX press release on the SD40-3 rebuild program

The rebuilding program will improve safety and performance of the aging SD40-2 fleet.


CSX’s SD40-2 fleet is approaching the end of its useful life. The company is implementing a program to rebuild the fleet, boosting the horsepower, technologic capabilities and safety of each unit.

“Current plans call for rebuilding 300 locomotives at a rate of about 40 per year,” said Gary Bethel, vice president-Mechanical. “The goal is to add another 25 to 30 years of useful life to these locomotives.”

Every system and component on the locomotive has been reviewed to determine if the components used on new locomotives would be an improvement in the performance, reliability, and maintainability of the locomotive. The improvements will include:

New crashworthy cabs
Heating and air conditioning systems
New control system
Positive train control
Modernized starting systems

The improvements will yield 3,000 horsepower, six-axle locomotives for the fleet. Their tractive power will increase from 86,000 to about 130,000 pounds, making them capable of doing the work of more modern high-horsepower units in all types of freight service including intermodal and coal.

The new crashworthy cabs are being manufactured by Motive Power in Boise, Idaho, and the rebuilding work is being done by the Huntington, W.Va., Locomotive Shop. “We determined that a new crashworthy cab is the right thing to do for the safety of our crews,” said Bethel. “We want to provide the safest work environment possible.” The older cabs were not suitable for modifications to meet crashworthy standards, he said.

“We have every confidence in the quality of work performed by the Huntington Locomotive Shop employees,” said Bethel. “The craftsmen there look out for each other and are proud of the work they are doing.”