Any idea how much a serviceable F-unit costs these days? Who are the dealers and brokers who sell these old workhorses?

> Any idea how much a serviceable F-unit costs
> these days? Who are the dealers and brokers
> who sell these old workhorses?

It absolutely depends on your definition of "serviceable" is. Sort of like the definition of "the car runs" versus "street-legal/inspected/titled".

Right now, I know of an F7 shell (interchangeable, but nothing under the hood that runs) on the market for somewhere under $10,000. Although reportedly in deplorable cosmetic shape, it would be worth that for spare parts and scrap metal alone, if someone needs stuff like porthole window frames, engine parts, etc. Another owner ended up with a pair of F7s in fully operable FRA-acceptable condition for about $35,000 each, if reliable reports are to be believed. There is still a market for lease for such units; I have heard of one railroad that pays $300 a month (plus necessary maintenance) to keep a pair on hand for both emergency backup freight/switching use and as rare secondary passenger power.

In short, it really depends what has to be done to the locomotives once you get them. You could, in theory, start with a base price of zero or scrap value and then start adding in the costs of such things as wheel-turning, new wheels, repair work, etc. that DON'T have to be done to the particular unit in question to make it usable for lease or other paying work.

Other opinions?


LNER4472@bcpl.net

An aside: The Bangor and Aroostookstill has an F3 on the property, years after the others were sold off to mimic F3's of other roads. After sitting outside for two years, the BAR has just put her back in running shape and turned over the engine. The new owners of the BAR apparently recognize her historical value and potential as a figurehead loco.
Just thought you'd like to know.

glueck@saturn.caps.maine.edu

Two of the locomotives you mentioned are mimicing some Central Railroad of New Jersey locomotves.
Aaron

norfolk_western_611@hotmail.com

> Any idea how much a serviceable F-unit costs
> these days? Who are the dealers and brokers
> who sell these old workhorses?

I don't now about cost, but CN/WC has some ex-CN/VIA/WC F9s that were used for Algoma Central passenger service for sale at IC's Woodcrest shops.

Also, NRE in Silvis has had some E units stored and for sale for some time, there might F's there too.