Following CNs decision to retire its fleet of 60 EMD SD60F locomotives in 2017, the 5500 series locomotives were gathered up at various locations around the railroad awaiting disposition. While it appears the majority of the units will never turn a revenue wheel again, at least eight units will see service once again. Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western, which operates over 500 miles of trackage mainly in North Dakota, has acquired three SD60Fs, adding to their cowl roster of five SD50Fs acquired from CN several years ago.
Northeast of the Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western, Northern Plains Railroad is also acquiring SD60Fs from CN. The 350-mile short line that operates in northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota will get five SD60Fs from Canadian National, displacing a number of SD40-2Ts current operating on the eastern end of the railroad.
Northern Plains has also been performing mechanical work for Canadian National at its shop in Fordville, N.D., parting out retired SD60Fs of usable components. While most of the salvaged parts are being shipped to CN following removal, a number of out of service CN SD60s in the 5400 series were shipped to NPR to have their engines replaced with prime movers from retired SD60Fs.
I agree with Brian Harris. At least one or two should go to a museum or two. They have a unique cowl design and CN’s famous comfort cab.
CN should give some to Museum??
It’s SD40T-2.
Why are they retiring serviceable locomotives when CN is experiencing a power crunch?
More CN power on former Soo Line routes…who’da thunk it?
First scrapping of serviceable or near serviceable SD60’s?
Got a feeling a lot of those CSX SD60’s going to Larry’s will be following in the months ahead. They’re infamous for overvaluing their SD’s, with only switchers and 4 axle EMD’s usually escaping to roll again. They’re worth more parted out than intact to LTEX.
Crews will welcome these units. Especially this time of the year.