Found this recently at a train show. Neat document from General Motors showing proposed pricing and options for eight SD40-2 locomotives to the Frisco. Dated January 26, 1978. Dale Rush Carthage, MO
Thanks for posting that, Dale. My only HO scale Frisco diesel is an SD40-2. Very interesting list of Frisco's requested factory upgrades. Hard to believe that little oscillating gyralite in the nose cost the Frisco an extra $1,460.00! Makes me wonder what a new SD70ACE costs.
Dale, Neat. Thanks for posting. Now I know what a Leslie S-5T horn cost! Interesting they describe the pilot Frisco used on second generation road engines as a "Rock Pilot". Ken
Jim, A new SD70ACE cost 3.6 Million Dollars. Hard to believe the Arkansas & Missouri (A&M) Railroad just bought three of them! It was a major change from the old Alcos. They are still in service, just not on the main freights. Not trying to steal the thread so back to the SD40-2s. Besides looking cool what made the oscillating gyrolites worth almost 15 hundred dollars?
Personally, I liked the $1,200 toilet. Now I do not feel so bad charging the Government so much for a seat!
That is some expensive sh%t! At that cost I am surprised the Frisco did not just install there own toilets.
The horn was a bargain compared to a sand box. I am surprised they did not charge extra for the steering wheel.
Also note the terminology in reference to the fireman, or lack there of. That position in the cab was referred to as the "observer's side". Also, the option of a 1" solid Benelux cab floor. Does anyone know what Benelex is and was it possibly a sound deadening or cushioning material? Update: I went in and looked up the definition of Benelex and it is/was a composite hardboard material manufactured by the Masonite Corporation. The basic locomotive option was a probably a steel floor. Edit 3/3/2024: Benelex was a registered trademark construction material classified as a non-metallic hardboard panel for various construction purposes. These include such purposes as countertops, spinning chucks for metals, flooring, neutron shielding, jigs, fixtures, templates, vacuum forming dies, match plates in foundries, x-ray table tops, wall hardboard panels requiring high density material, wear resistant surfaces for machinery and the like. The material came in various thicknesses including 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2 and 2''. Masonite filed for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Monday, 1/24/1966. The trademark expired on Saturday, 3/29/2008. Added flooring material details for Masonite brand Benelex. MKD
