Comments on: EMDX SD70ACe-T4 #7225 is seen leading CP train 850 through Secretan Saskatchewan in the last light of the day. 60+kmh wind gusts along with normal December temperatures on the prairies made for a very chilly final shot of this chase. These units have often been referred to as “Bananas” by the railfan community, so with that I title this shot…. “Banana In The Freezer”.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 12:57:02 +0000

Thanks for this. Since they were ‘demonstrators’ I was thinking more along the lines of “return to sender”.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 02:00:50 +0000

From what I am told the Tier 4 units consume more fuel than Tier 3, yes they have better emissions but worse fuel economy. It’s why rebuilding locomotives is all the rage right now.

So on that point, you can’t give them away for free because the fuel costs are higher and nobody NEEDS more motive power right now, well, none of the US Class 1′s do…

CN could probably use them but then you have to want to run them…

Nobody wants to run them for whatever reason. 2019/2020 they were tried by all the roads and even into 2021..

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 22:06:34 +0000

So what is the point of having them parked? Seems like a real waste.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 13:45:52 +0000

Around this time a couple of these led all the way to Toronto. They were as far as I know all parked not long after and remain so today.

By: Decentdude101

Decentdude101 — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 04:18:46 +0000

I thought those hoppers went extinct from unit service years ago. Great catch!

By: mattwatson

mattwatson — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:13:41 +0000

Thanks guys, it was a great end to a fast paced chase. I’ve heard there is only one or two train sets of these classic coal gons left in service so if you see them, shoot them.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:58:50 +0000

This shot would have looked good even if a track mobile was moving them!! )

By: Dave Brook

Dave Brook — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:56:33 +0000

I like the classic hoppers even more!!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 23:54:59 +0000

I agree with Marcus’ comment. Absolutely great lighting. Gem of a shot

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 19:25:28 +0000

What a great shot! Sweet light!