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Hey Jamie, after seeing your May 7th post of the 5702, I couldn’t believe my luck going out the next night and snapping a pair myself. One of the aspects I really like about this website is the fun of serve and return.
Awesome! No matter how many times I shoot these engines or pictured in a crisp, clean shot like this one, they always look good. Definitely my favourite units on the CN roster.
Nice catch Larry
Thanks guys. Your comments are very appreciated.
Personally, I like the window shape (and the old style non-bulging rads). It would seem the standard norm is the skinny rectangle (and extended rads), so, anything different at least provides some variety.
My favourite units to operate EVER. The newer EMDs and GE’s are not as comfortable or as quiet as these guys!
LOL, I was thinking of you Phil when preparing this photo for posting. I have seen you mention that fact a number of times in the comment column.
I have never ridden in any of the newer units, SD & GP40′s were the new kids on the block when I worked there. My fav loco’s were the flexicoiled trucked GP9′s (42 & 4300′s). I found they had a nice smooth ride and gentle rock, that if you didn’t watch it, would put you to sleep.
@ Larry. Thanks for thinking of me buddy. Yes these are my favourites for comfort and quietness. The GP/SD 40′s were about 10 years old when I hired on so I had lots of chances to operate them. My other fave was the standard SD40′s 5000-5141. I did operate high hood GP9′s in the 42/4300 class as well, plus RS18′s.
I am not sure what part of the country you worked for CN? I did not mind the Flexicoil Geeps other than the trucks tended to hunt and high speeds we have around Toronto.
LOL I sure agree with yoo about almost falling asleep . The sounds can be very soothing and a warm cab in the winter? ZZZzzzzz
I worked right here out of Edmonton. I spent a lot of time working the eastend, didn’t have the seniority to hold the westend. A lot of time spent peddling grain cars, which I’m sure you are aware, is on the lighter lines around here (not the 60lb spaghetti rail that you’d find in Sask. though). Thus the track and those old GP9′s would get a sway going that would play havoc with you if I had been up late the night before. They always called those trains for around 6:00 to 7:00, which meant I had only just got to bed when the phone would ring. The life of a young single guy on the railroad.
The worst units I found were the GP40-2′s. Although they would get an express train up to track speed fast, they are very rough riding, you were glad to get out of them after a trip. I agree with your SD40 comment (5000-5141), very nice ride at speed.
@Larry..I hear you on the phone calls in the night just after putting your head on the pillow or even worse when the crew office told you that you were not getting called that night only to have the phone ring 2 hrs later..urgh.. That was the worse when I am exhausted and get called to go to Michigan. 197 miles and usually 10 hrs on the road. I did not mind 5 GP40-2′s on the ore trains. I found them not as rough if the train is heavy. SD all rode pretty good. The -8 and 9′s and Evos are ok except the cowl units the are awful at 15 mph. I was lucky enough to run the M630/36 models as well as the HR616 and M420′s. Not the best units but as a railfan..they were classic Alco