1.6 Miles of Locomotives, More Than 400,000 Horsepower Just Sitting

Holy Moses.... Nice find there....

Something else!

Belmondo wrote in post #7449169
I think it's surplus power. There were a lot of newer engines there and only a few old units. I only saw two SP engines in the whole string. I suspect this is a byproduct of the economic slowdown.

Is this common at UP or any industry line to park their equipment in this manner? It's the first time I've seen such a sight. I guess given such a surplus due to the economy, they would need to consolidate the engines as best possible. Reminds me of the surplus aircraft parked in the desert after 9/11.

Boston23 wrote in post #7452987
Is this common at UP or any industry line to park their equipment in this manner? It's the first time I've seen such a sight. I guess given such a surplus due to the economy, they would need to consolidate the engines as best possible. Reminds me of the surplus aircraft parked in the desert after 9/11.

I'm sure it is. It costs money to have a locomotive ready for service. There are maintenance items, fuel costs, etc.. Colton is a big UP facility, so it's not unusual that they would be stored there. Chances are, there are similar lines at other UP facilities like Cheyenne, WY, I'd wager.

I just showed your shot to my three year old. You got a very enthusiastic "WHOA" out of him.

Wow, that's a lot! Although what if someone wants the one in the middle?

Great illustration for "Potential Energy"!

p33vve wrote in post #7451517
What happens if they need the one in the middle? Lol ..

Anke wrote in post #7453561
Wow, that's a lot! Although what if someone wants the one in the middle?

I beat ya to it Chris!!

ibdb wrote in post #7453545
I just showed your shot to my three year old. You got a very enthusiastic "WHOA" out of him.

It's good to know I can still impress a three year old.

p33vve wrote in post #7453890
I beat ya to it Chris!!

Great minds think alike. Or so they say...

Belmondo wrote in post #7453922
It's good to know I can still impress a three year old.

My pictures never get a "whoa" out of him.

Anke wrote in post #7453966
Great minds think alike. Or so they say...

Something like that!

Scary - Wouldn't want to get in the way of that lot!! Cracking shot - they couldn't have much freight to shift that day!

FA

That's a great photo but not a very good sign of the economy, is it. If the trains aren't rolling, raw materials and finished goods are not being transported for business.

Fourteen months ago UP had power shortages for the traffic demand to the extent that is was causing major backups across their system. Now with the economic downturn, it looks like they have huge excesses of power.