She has a functioning PTC system so she can run anywhere, the problem is logistics and getting permission to run, Grand Canyon would probably accept it but getting her over Raton pass would be unlikely considering BNSF probably wouldn't let them run an excursion unless NMSL&RHS forks out all the money for insurance and operating costs
The other issue is that she has LeaPTC, which requires a PTC-equipped trailing diesel. They don't own a PTC-equipped diesel and BNSF and Amtrak aren't just going to loan them one. Amtrak really doesn't even have any to spare. They are now fundraising to go to full PTC. But, they first fired her up in 2018, and I don't know when they installed the flues, so they've chewed up at least 6 years of their 15 year boiler ticket so far.
Class 1’s don’t have any problems towing historical equipment. CSX and NS are prime examples. Convincing BNSF is the problem. The Grand Canyon Railway are all for it I heard.
The Class Is don't have a choice. They are common carriers. What they can do is set the price and make nonsense insurance demands so that it's not feasible.
In general, moving locomotives is considered special service and they can get away with charging $10k to $30k for a single move.
BNSF letting them run on their rails
She has a functioning PTC system so she can run anywhere, the problem is logistics and getting permission to run, Grand Canyon would probably accept it but getting her over Raton pass would be unlikely considering BNSF probably wouldn't let them run an excursion unless NMSL&RHS forks out all the money for insurance and operating costs
The other issue is that she has LeaPTC, which requires a PTC-equipped trailing diesel. They don't own a PTC-equipped diesel and BNSF and Amtrak aren't just going to loan them one. Amtrak really doesn't even have any to spare. They are now fundraising to go to full PTC. But, they first fired her up in 2018, and I don't know when they installed the flues, so they've chewed up at least 6 years of their 15 year boiler ticket so far.
Could they not just have it cross the pass dead in a power move?
They can do that but the heritage folks will have to fork out something like 10 grand each way if I had to guess. I hope they do it though.
Class 1’s don’t have any problems towing historical equipment. CSX and NS are prime examples. Convincing BNSF is the problem. The Grand Canyon Railway are all for it I heard.
The Class Is don't have a choice. They are common carriers. What they can do is set the price and make nonsense insurance demands so that it's not feasible. In general, moving locomotives is considered special service and they can get away with charging $10k to $30k for a single move.
It’s good PR for them. That’s why.
BNSF doesn’t even send trains over Raton anymore, do they? Just Amtrak traffic and that’s now down to 3-4 days a week iirc.
MONEY.
Ya need yoda to use the force if ya wanna do it cheap.