Article in the Wall Street Journal about Caterpillar after taking over EMD. They closed the EMD plant in Canada due to wage dispute and built a new plant in Muncie, Indianna and building another in Texas. Between GE and Cat they built 1100 locomotives in 2011 which was twice the number in 2010. This year they expect a 10% increase. UP is buying 200 and CSX 65 new locos.
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I thought GE was building a plant in TX. BBD does produce EMD stuff in Mexico. Does that mean EMD can build BDD stuff under licience?
Railroads are rushing to buy locomotives before Tier 4 emissions regulations come into effect. I do not believe either builder has announced exactly what changes their Tier 4 engines will have but there is great concern that they will lead to greater maintenance costs or reduced fuel economy or both. Expect a significant decline in orders when locomotives must comply with Tier 4.
Railroads are looking at Tier 4 about the way a muscle car enthusiast would a 1970 vs. a 1971 automobile. The 71s offered reduced emissions at a higher price with the added "benefits" of lower fuel economy, lower horse power from the same size engines and more stuff under the hood to maintain. It reminds me of the Gipper's comment "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"
Tier 4 engines are quite the money pit for little gain.
That is my view as a professional trucker who has had a taste of the choking chain collar around some rigs I have driven in the past.
I don't want to be considered a troll here, but I don't like what Emissions controls have done in neutering the Diesels, small or large. These are engines which need to breathe free in order to make good work.
The last rig I touched was a Super 500 Mack engine with a 13 speed double over and it had no emissions anything in sight. It was a pleasure to drive.
Somebody from houston METRO told me that some type of "natural gas" engine can easily meet T-4, but big D is a more forgiving fuel as far as storage, cost to maintain engine, et. al.
This T-4 stuff could move the economics to pure electrics, maybe?
The nine most feared words in a hurricane zone:
I'm from FEMA, and I am here to help!
EPA don't use common sense at this rate they will destroy us
Caterpillar should be an improvement over GM diesels but Cummings would be even better. I am glad EMD is going after GE.
Charlie
It's CUMMINS! Not Cummings!
Sorry...a pet peeve of mine...
DON'T LET IT BOTHER YOU RICH. I GET A KICK OUT OF GUYS WHO KEEP SAYING NORFOLK AND SOUTHERN RR AND THOSE WHO CANNOT SPELL GAUGE.
FREIGHTRAIN
Not looking to hijack the thread but would't this be the first EMD purchase for CSX since 2004?
Scott Conforto
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