Considering 1) high scrap metal prices and 2) high resale prices for various GE iotems like traction motors (confirmed in recent shopping) , pretty slim. Odds might be better if you don't mind a "shell" with missing traction motors, prime mover, etc.--and then many would say "what's the point?"

This discussion has also overlooked they way that most diesels have been preserved - which is not in museum environments, but by an owner that has a need for using locomotive in its current configuration. Can anybody think of a railroad (or other operator) that would have a need for a relatively modern locomotive that can function in both freight and passenger service?

Tom Cornillie

Gee, how about any short line or regional that has a business car fleet that uses HEP/is Amtrak compatible? I can think of a half-dozen or so off the bat, from Lancaster & Chester to Juniata Terminal to the North Shore/Nittany & Bald Eagle/etc. empire to Kansas City Southern to Guilford to....... I dunno, FEC?

[/sarcasm]

On the U34CH, I wouldn't bet that such things as the HEP jumpers, door interlock circuits are compatable with AMTRAK specs. Don't have my print collection handy to compare the two.

As the concept of a six-motor passenger diesel has become discredited after the AMTK SDP40P's, a used F40 is probably a better bet. There is nothing that says it can't pull freight either.

In the near future, there are going to be a number of NJT 4 motor, 4o series locomotives retired and available for resale.

BTW, there was a group of U34's that went to Mexico.

Dave K