by SD80MAC » Fri Jan 25, 2019 9:38 am
SD60s are reaching the end of their practical service lives without being overhauled. Remember, the oldest units are going on 35 years old. NS rebuilt most of their standard cab SD60 fleet into SD60Es. CP also had a portion of their former SOO SD60s rebuilt by Progress Rail. Doesn't really have as much to do with emissions as it does that they're just getting old and rebuilding locomotives isn't cheap.
A few shortlines are reported to have bought up some SD60s from CSX during their latest fire sale. The balance have gone to equipment brokers like Larry's Truck & Electric. It wouldn't surprise me to see leasing companies and other shortlines/regionals scoop them up. Depending on the condition, SD60s can be had for around the same price as an SD40-2.
As far as emissions go, that is precisely why you're seeing so many railroads rebuilding older power. The Class 1s aren't too enthused about the Tier 4 offerings from EMD and GE, as both have had their share of problems. It's cheaper to rebuild the older stuff, as they don't have to comply with the strict emissions standards that new build units do. For example...
NS is rebuilding:
SD70s into SD70ACCs
SD90MACs into SD70ACUs
C40-9s (and I believe they've started on C44-9Ws as well) into AC44CWMs
BNSF is rebuilding:
SD70MACs into SD70MACes (not sure how many of these have been done)
C44-9Ws into AC44C4Ms
CP is rebuilding:
SD40-2s into SD40-3s
AC4400CWs into AC4400CWMs
SD90MACs into SD70ACUs
CSX is currently having a pair each of SD70MACs and AC4400CWs rebuilt to determine the viability of such a project. UP is reported to be looking into starting to rebuild their oldest SD70Ms as well.