From the Brass Switchkey News: BNSF has an auction set up at Barstow, CA and Topeka, KS beginning on July 9th. Many ex ATSF GP30s and GP35s are for sale at Barstow. Those at Barstow include 24 GP30s. Also included are 21 GP35s. There is one SD40 lettered as GN 6311. This is an ex ATSF SD40. To complete the auction, 3 Los Angeles Junction CF7s are for sale too. This makes a total of 49 engines at Barstow. At Topeka, BNSF has 18 GP35s. These ex ATSF GP35s were all built in 1964 & 65. There is one GP15-1, the 1481 that is an ex BN originally Frisco engine. GS
So are these engines that do not run any more or is this for companies to come buy new motive power? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm full of dumb questions. Ethan
Ethan, There are multiple reasons for these engines to be offered for sale. The biggest reason is based on economics. Is the cost of maintenance and repair in conjunction with expected life span worth the investment or would the money be better spent on new or newer equipment? Today, one of the biggest factors in this decision involves EPA diesel exhaust emissions regulations. Older engines require expensive modifications to meet current standards which must be attained when a certain repair/overhaul threshold is encountered. I am not sure of all the details, but a prime mover in need of 50% or more new power assemblies is required to be brought into compliance with the new regulations. Other factors include the ability of the locomotive model to continue to meet operating department needs, fuel consumption standards and repair parts availability. When an engine is disposed of, it does mean that it is going to the scrap yard. Most locomotives find a new life with their new owners. LTEX is quite fond of the GP15-1 model and has acquired a large number of former Conrail and a few former Frisco units.
