HOT, HOT, HOT! News from FEC and a Special Miami Vantage Point
The Florida East Coast Railway has just announced that it will purchase twenty-four GE ES44C4s from General Electric Transportation. It sounds like the once-stubborn Shortline by the Shoreline finally listened to the pleas of its folks and fans and broke down about 55 million buckaroos to get some clean locomotives. The ES44C4s have different traction mechanisms than the popular ES44AH.
This follows semi-official word from Jan 15 that the purchase was to be green-lighted.
Many folks are had upset that the railroad is no longer a virgin to GE, and are puzzled that they are getting more engines than they need. It needs to be remembered that as it is, the railroad is power short. Plus, the SD70M-2s, which had left the company in dissatisfaction are going to be handed back to EMD soon. Needless to say, this might have been one of the draws for the decision to switch to GE, absent the fact the engines are in some ways obsolete per ECH. They are also going to need it for the Port services which are expected to gear up in the next few years. With all of this said, their choice to switch to GE has my approval and understanding.
Concept art of both Champion and 60s schemes are looming from railfans in predictions of how these beauties will look.
Also, since these will be part LNG powered, guess what... we're going to need some tenders. It is believed that there will be tenders added to supplement the engines due to the rapid burn of Nat Gas.
According to the options contract, which resembles what airlines order from, FEC has 24 with options for 6 more, and the new power is to be delivered before 2015. It's time for change.
Also, any readers with the railway take note... I will appreciate intel on the paint livery asap in order to start a LEGO project of them, making the models. This will lead to great PR for the railway.
Oh... psst... Word has it 11 demonstrators will arrive on railroad property beginning this February. GET YOUR SHOTS OF 100-107 NOW! They will be gone before you know it.
Lastly, with the subject of this railroad fresh, I want to share an instagram shot from a friend/old middle school teacher who had the "ideal vantage" of Dodge Island Bridge and Bayside from Los Ranchos. They will get a great deal of railfan business (already the Railway sponsored a few lunches and dinners here, LOL) once the service kicks off in full steam.... Better arrange a photography section! There are places to peek about a 300mm lens through to get a good shot... or maybe they can get rid of the palms. :)
This follows semi-official word from Jan 15 that the purchase was to be green-lighted.
Many folks are had upset that the railroad is no longer a virgin to GE, and are puzzled that they are getting more engines than they need. It needs to be remembered that as it is, the railroad is power short. Plus, the SD70M-2s, which had left the company in dissatisfaction are going to be handed back to EMD soon. Needless to say, this might have been one of the draws for the decision to switch to GE, absent the fact the engines are in some ways obsolete per ECH. They are also going to need it for the Port services which are expected to gear up in the next few years. With all of this said, their choice to switch to GE has my approval and understanding.
Concept art of both Champion and 60s schemes are looming from railfans in predictions of how these beauties will look.
Also, since these will be part LNG powered, guess what... we're going to need some tenders. It is believed that there will be tenders added to supplement the engines due to the rapid burn of Nat Gas.
According to the options contract, which resembles what airlines order from, FEC has 24 with options for 6 more, and the new power is to be delivered before 2015. It's time for change.
Also, any readers with the railway take note... I will appreciate intel on the paint livery asap in order to start a LEGO project of them, making the models. This will lead to great PR for the railway.
Oh... psst... Word has it 11 demonstrators will arrive on railroad property beginning this February. GET YOUR SHOTS OF 100-107 NOW! They will be gone before you know it.
Lastly, with the subject of this railroad fresh, I want to share an instagram shot from a friend/old middle school teacher who had the "ideal vantage" of Dodge Island Bridge and Bayside from Los Ranchos. They will get a great deal of railfan business (already the Railway sponsored a few lunches and dinners here, LOL) once the service kicks off in full steam.... Better arrange a photography section! There are places to peek about a 300mm lens through to get a good shot... or maybe they can get rid of the palms. :)
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ReplyDeleteGetting my shots of 100 - 107 all the time man. This is why I dual cam. Pictures AND videos. It's a sad shame they have to go and be send back to EMD/CAT. I wonder who else will take them. Looks like Alaskan Railroad can have 100-103 and with the RPB units, lets RailAmerica have them back lol. February is literally a day away. I wonder how these bad boys will run. May smell different too.
ReplyDelete-Brylon Terry