Anyone have any inside info if GO is looking for new locos yet?? Their original batch of FP59s date from 1988 and they have been giving them maintenance headaches.

Wonder what the new ones would be?? MPI? GE GEVO?? Modified EMD SD70 ACE with an aux power generator?

Aparently, the GE Genesis does not fit the new crashworthy standards for locos.


[note - removed duplicate topic - Particle Man]

Based on a Transit Toronto article I read ( http://transit.tor...transit/2509.shtml), GO probably won't be in the market for a new locomotive for quite some time (another 10 years probably). When you think about it, most of GO's prior locomotives (F40PH, GP40 variants) were older than the F59PH is now or at least AS old. The reason GO isn't on the hurry to replace the F59PH is that it is so much more technologically advanced than the previous fleets. It incorporates an in-engine HEP system, dynamic braking to 6-8km/h, and advanced computer micro-management systems that can still be updated to todays standards.

However, if GO were to replace them they wouldn't have too much of a choice right now. Most other commuter agencies across North America are still using F40PH's (Tri-Rail) or F59PHI's (Coaster)... theres also that other new EMD locomotive that I think LIRR is using. It looks butt ugly, I think its called MP36PH or something. Hell, VIA and Amtrak are still using F40PH's too.

If anything does come out in the future with a commuter thought of design, it will probably come from GE... EMD isn't doing all that great these days.

BTW, what are these mechanical headaches you speak of? As my post suggests, all I've heard about the F59PH to date has been good.

there's a bulletin at Union Station about the Stouffville line. In the bulletin, GO says that they are looking to purchase newer, more reliable locomotives this year.

The locos built for the LIRR also do not meet the 2004 FRA crashworthyness standards. There isn't a big enough market for EMD or GE to design a brand new passenger loco. I wouldn't be surprised to see a modified sd 70 with HEP as the design. However, GE offers better leasing options than EMD as per railroad.net

Posted by Particle Man BTW, what are these mechanical headaches you speak of? As my post suggests, all I've heard about the F59PH to date has been good.

A CN diesel mechanic on my street said that they have been having alot of crankshafts cracking from the high horsepower of a 12 cylinder 3000 hp loco. Apparently, these started when the FP59s were only a few years old.

Wow, I had no idea the F59PH's were so troublesome, and that GO is seeking an alternative. I think you may be onto something with an SD70AcE tpye of locomotive... or a variant of GE's new ES44DC. I'm sure the Bombardier Bi-Levels will be around for a good while though.

They have refurbished the 2000 series coaches and they have new 2600 series. Comfy ride.

I see them going with EMD because the 710 engine has been around since the early 80s with the GP/SD 60, the 16-710 has proven to be a reliable engine and the GEVO is too new to speculate about its long term reliability.

The last time GO bought new locomovites, they sold the old ones to Amtrak and used them for 2 years before they found them a problem.

I vote for GE locomotives, most of the men in my family have worked for GE and well the locomotives are one of the few good products left they make.