If I'm not mistaken, isn't there an electric test loop there? Could this be as simple as a locomotive(s) to run circles with cars testing new trucks, draft gear, etc?

Cheaper and better use of tax money to buy used then fancy new? A pair for spares, perhaps two of the better ones of the lot?

Which would suggest in a few years, they could become available...

Bob

thanks so much for the correction, gentlemen. I am very glad I was wrong (about no AEM-7s being preserved). And thank you very much, Alex, for telling me about the RR Museum of Pennsylvania, where just what I had suggested has already been done. That is wonderful! Congratulations to the RRMPA for that!

Alex Mitchell --
I am very relieved that the silly rumor -- that those two AEM-7s bound for the TTC at Pueblo were going be to used as "crash test dummies" -- has been thoroughly debunked. Thank you.

Technically, we have not disproven the rumors, only made the case that there is no need for crash test data from an AEM7. They could still smash up one or both of them, but that would be an exceedingly foolhardy step if it happens.

See the other AEM7 thread. Buslist was the credible source I was referring to, and he has the story right, better than I expressed it. No 'impact testing' anticipated.

UPDATE:

As of this evening, Amtrak AEM-7DC 945 has been removed from storage at Bear, Del. and is currently set out on the so-called "O track" between Wilmington Shops and the Northeast Corridor, awaiting pick-up for shipment to a new owner, allegedly for preservation.

(Yes, I know where it's supposedly heading, and have talked to parties at both ends. No, I'm not saying yet. The supposed new home gets to make the announcement.)

Photo by George Pitz, with appropriate permissions.

Maybe they'll couple it to the GG1 (4876) in Baltimore, for preservation!

;-)

UPDATE #????

It's been reliably reported (with photographic evidence) that MARC's three "operable"AEM7 locos are stored on a siding in Washington DC's Ivy City engine terminal. This, combined with the 4901 having been a permanent resident of MARC's Riverside shops in Baltimore ever since an aborted repair attempt several years ago, means the AEM7 era is now dead on MARC.

Meanwhile, another AEM7 elsewhere is being reportedly held for eventual acquisition by another rail museum......

The MARC ones always seemed to be kept in excellent external condition (when I saw them, anyway..) so it will be interesting to see what happens to them. Managed a pair of them back in May 2014 on a northbound run from DC which got held just north of New Carrolton. Running to BWI was somewhat "lively" thereafter, with what appeared to be 110 mph running. The passenger cars were certainly bouncing around.......

That just leaves the SEPTA ones (and the odd ALP-44 they have) running - presumably to depart once the new ACS-64's start entering revenue service.

Maybe IRM should request one to go with the S motor, the GG1, the E33, and our NY subway cars. Because why not? A midwest outpost of eastern traction.

IRM supposedly is getting one, although it remains to be confirmed. It's been a pretty poorly kept secret.

Amtrak's westbound Capitol Limited, Train 29(27), has departed Washington DC this afternoon with AEM-7DC 945 tucked between the motive power and cars, destined for a rail museum presumed to be somewhere west of Chicago.
Photo by Nick Bass at Washington Grove, Md. 4:33 PM, 2-27-2018, used with permission.

On his personal website, David B. Davies posted two photographs of the train in Shen, Virginia: Dave's Trains - Current Events

Trains magazine is reporting that it is headed to IRM: Source: AEM-7 headed for Illinois museum

Assuming it is going to IRM, would they be able to operate it, even at low speed?

Bob

The AEM-7's operate on 11 to 12,000 AC volts, 25 cycle. IRM overhead is 600 DC volts.
Don't think so.

Alan

Let's just say "not conventionally."

As in, they can't just raise the pan and run it.

There has been previous discussion about running (or potentially running) electrics at IRM in other threads here over the years.