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RE: (erielack) Modern Era Erie Lackawanna Power

US RR's did go through a 4-axle "phase" in the 1980's, after the end of 
SD40-2 production (the best-selling diesel model up to then). Wheel-slip 
technology had improved, so the units were more "sure-footed", and on a HP 
basis, a 4-axle unit is cheaper than a 6. Some examples, large purchases of 
GP50's by ATSF and C&NW, GP60's by ATSF and SP, B36-7's by CR and B40-8's by 
several roads. However, in the 1990's the pendulum did swing back to 6-axle 
units.

Paul B


From: "Tupaczewski, Paul R (Paul)" <paultup_@_alcatel-lucent.com>
Subject: RE: (erielack) Modern Era Erie Lackawanna Power

Brad Butcher asked:

> Another interesting question would be "would EL purchase more
> B-B power?" after the 45's. GP38-2's and U23B's not withstanding.

Well, we can look once again to today's modern railroads. Most likely EL 
would have stuck with 6-axle units for road freights (note that the last 
major purchases of 4-axle units was in 1989 by ATSF, who then switched to 
all 6-axle units) - 4-axle units don't have the tractive effort that 
six-axle units do, and with the hills on the east end, you needed that 
tractive effort.


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