a new Genset....

[Bremner]

http://www.pbase.com/rbarnes11/image/148077002

This *was* DRGW 3016...I liked the look of it when she was a GP30...

[packers#1]

I like most gensets actually...but that makes the new Hyundai Sonata look pretty

[Chris333]

I dunno I always liked modern diesels  like the GP30. So I kinda like it.

[Packer]

I liked it better as a GP30. It's weird they kept the cab though...

[packers#1]

I liked it better as a GP30. It's weird they kept the cab though...

Makes sense though; it'd be easier to just chop the cab. They also kept the nose, so I guess they just rebuilt the long hood and maybe chopped the other two. Really, I must ask why not just get a 710ECO repower though? 

[C855B]

Hmm. A new genset, this one apparently not from NRE. I thought the genset concept wasn't working all that well in the real world. Maybe the issue was NRE's controller and/or selection of prime mover(s)?

[Hyperion]

Makes sense though; it'd be easier to just chop the cab. They also kept the nose, so I guess they just rebuilt the long hood and maybe chopped the other two. Really, I must ask why not just get a 710ECO repower though? 

The 710s are fast becoming a more popular option.  But, in many cases, they're not eligible for tax subsidies that various state/local/federal groups provide.  Regardless of the fact that, in most cases, they're just as environmentally-conscientious as the genset options.  If not for that reason, it's unlikely that many of the gensets would actually be sold as they tend to be more fickle than they're worth for the railroads themselves.

[Philip H]

More Kitbash fodder . . . . 

[packers#1]

The 710s are fast becoming a more popular option.  But, in many cases, they're not eligible for tax subsidies that various state/local/federal groups provide.  Regardless of the fact that, in most cases, they're just as environmentally-conscientious as the genset options.  If not for that reason, it's unlikely that many of the gensets would actually be sold as they tend to be more fickle than they're worth for the railroads themselves.

Gotta love getting money off at the front end!
Thanks for the info

[Robbman]

Really, I must ask why not just get a 710ECO repower though? 

Multiple reasons...

710ECOs are only Teir II complaint, the Railserve LEAF in this case is Teir III (though they can be Teir 4 with SCR), which it needs to be to go work in Texas

710ECOs are ~25-35% (12 and 8-710s respectively) more fuel efficient than a 16-645 (roots and turbo... i.e, comparing an 8-710G to a 16-645 and a 12-710G to a 16-645E/F)... the dual unit LEAF in this case is over 50%... of course, it's also only 1200hp... that said, even 2000hp range gensets still fare better than the 8-170 in fuel consumption... 3000hp gensets are rare, so a comparison to a 12-710 can't really be made

710ECOs are a great option if you already have a fleet of 710s in service... as you have the support infrastructure, parts inventory and service expertise in place already.  Railserve LEAFs use Cummins QSK-15s, which can serviced by almost any heavy truck/machinery dealer... (personally, I'm not a Cummins fan... just had to add that), so for a small switching outfit, that has units all over the US, probably a better option.


You aso have the core locomotive used... 40 series and newer units are MUCH better candidates than 35 series and older for a 710ECO retrofit... in terms of cost, the GP30 core used here was better suited for a genset conversion than a 710ECO. 

[DKS]

I dunno I always liked modern diesels  like the GP30. So I kinda like it.

It is fugly, but I kind of like it, too. Anyone have any leads on where to find more images of this beastie? I'm coming up empty-handed.

[Robbman]

It's months old, so it may take time to get more shots.  That Railserve typically has hidden customers (i.e, intraplant switching operations) isn't going to help

[Chris333]

It's going to a Cargill plant at Blair, NE. Guess keep your eyes peeled.