Eastern Railroad Discussion > WLE SD90MAC's (Photos)

The first 4 of a eventual 6 are now in service

EMLX 8524, EMLX 8529, EMLX 8539, EMLX 8549.

This past weekend I made the trip down to Brewster to shot detail shots of the 4 units.


(Yes I know it isn't click able there isn't anything I can do about that, copy paste)

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Do you know if these are going to become WLE units, or are they just leased?

Leased for 30 days to test EMD modifications.

Option to buy after that period is up.

Boy if they buy them it'll be interesting to see these in the Grande scheme

See that is the problem with WLE, they will not likely paint them anytime soon even if they buy them. The last thing WLE needs is more unpainted power.

I want to update my post: I like the WLE and have attempted to shoot the line. I however would like for them to have a better image. The SD-40s are nice, but I find solid sets about 1 out of 10 times.

Last day of classes for me at Kent State... and a great drive to campus this morning. I was just turning onto Firestone Road (west of Spencer) when I heard a train ask for permission west from Spencer to Hiles. Caught me off guard when I heard them say it was an EMLX leader... and then it dawned on me that one of these new units was heading my way. Made it to the crossing just in time to grab a quick shot of it.

This is at Firestone Road (MP N121.8) on the Carey Sub just west of Spencer, Ohio. Taken around noon today.

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These beasts kinda recall UP's unloved and nomadic C630's, no?

esprrfan Wrote:
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> Boy if they buy them it'll be interesting to see
> these in the Grande scheme

Did I hear a Photoshop Challenge?

UP 8524 in better days at Las Vegas,NV.

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UP didn't like them, KCS didn't like them, What did EMD do to them to think that WLE will like them? Good luck!

railtrekker Wrote:
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> UP didn't like them, KCS didn't like them, What
> did EMD do to them to think that WLE will like
> them? Good luck!

Wheeling is like "Mikey". It'll use anything if it runs.


But I'm with Doug on this. Unless the Imron Fairies visit these units, they're just another reason for me not to railfan the Wheeling if doing so requires any significant effort. Crossed-out bandits are the pits.

These have the "H" engine in them, correct?

Bob Callahan
Monticello, IN

rcall31060 Wrote:
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> These have the "H" engine in them, correct?


Yes these have the H engine in them. These are SD90MAC-H2's. These are the first batch that UP turned back to EMD in trade for new SD70ACe's. UP has also recently placed it's regular SD90MAC's in storage, these units look like SD90/43's but have the tapered engine cowling and regular EMD cab with tear-drop windows. Have never heard directly or specifically what is "wrong" with these units. I was under the assumption that EMD like GE perfected there 6,000HP engine and the problems were electrical i.e. Ground Relay problems.

I was thinking the same thing. Somebody at EMD must have gotten a big bonus and is now laughing their ass off for getting another RR to actually "lease" those hunks-O-junk.

SLH




railtrekker Wrote:
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> UP didn't like them, KCS didn't like them, What
> did EMD do to them to think that WLE will like
> them? Good luck!

NH2006 Wrote:
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> esprrfan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Boy if they buy them it'll be interesting to
> see
> > these in the Grande scheme
>
> Did I hear a Photoshop Challenge?


Go for it!

Had two of these 90's on a train last summer nos. EMLX 8543 & 8526 (don't think the WE has either). Worst EMD's I ever ran ended up blowing the gov up on the 8526 and didnt make it over the line with a 100x5 6125ft 10791 ton train. When I called the KCS trouble desk I didnt even have to tell them what engines I had, first thing he said was I guess your having trouble with one of those EMLX units. Hopefully the WE has better luck.

It's a shame too! These are my favorite EMD's and I have never even seen one in person. Anyone got a recording of the 265 H prime mover? I'm dying to hear it! Please!

A lot harder than I thought.....

Nick Wrote:
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> NH2006 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > esprrfan Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Boy if they buy them it'll be interesting to
> > see
> > > these in the Grande scheme
> >
> > Did I hear a Photoshop Challenge?
>
>
> Go for it!

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toledopatch Wrote:
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> railtrekker Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > UP didn't like them, KCS didn't like them, What
> > did EMD do to them to think that WLE will like
> > them? Good luck!
>
> Wheeling is like "Mikey". It'll use anything if it
> runs.
>

As someone who used to work for the Wheeling, I can tell you thats not true.

Certain people in management are very very anti-GE, And also doesn't like anything that isn't a EMD 40 series.

Its a shock to me that the are even leasing the 90's.

I have really wanted to hear that 265-H engine and this puts them in our backyard in Ohio. New paint would be nice, but I want to get an auditory fix on them before they go the way of most Baldwins, Limas,etc. The WLE paint would be a bonus, but think mechanical and you might want to visit the WLE. Heck, might even get to duck a few flying parts!