RE: (erielack) EL GEs vs EMD/ALCOs

["Paul R. Tupaczewski" <paultup_@_comcast.net>]

> I know that there are several ex EL EMDs around and 
> ALCOs..but not so many GE units. Were GEs just not built as 
> good? Seems like the U33s and U36s were retired before their 
> time. And if the U34chs were not used as passenger units by  
> NJDOT and later NJT, would they not have made it until 1994?


GE U-series units were not nearly as easily maintainable as today's modern
units, and for the most part, most roads retired their units at the end of
their equipment trusts. Resale value of those old GE's wasn't that great
(compare to modern GE's - the NYS&W's 4 B40-8's, for example, were sold to
the Providence & Worcester at the end of their 15-year trust - still good
resale in those)

The U34CH's were a miracle, frankly speaking. Kudos to NJT for keeping these
beasts alive and in HEAVY active service for so many years - they were
orphans on an otherwise all-EMD roster.

	- Paul


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