Brad and Others:
The U23C locomotives. like the U25Cs, were purchased as replacement
power for SD9s. In the case of the U23C locomotives, the horsepower
was not of primary interest; attainable tractive effort with a
smaller prime mover was. Regardless of the alleged better deal from
GE, in that era, many roads were fed up with the tactics and products
of EMD and GE was the only other player. Forget Alco, they were in a
death spiral. By providing opportunity for GE by purchasing their
products, GE was able to improve, compete, and eventually outsell
EMD. That era is definitely outside that of the CB&Q, but the
purchases or leases of U25B and C locos, and later models, may not
have given the engineers the locomotive of choice, but sent a loud
message into the now empty offices in LaGrange. If you are unsure of
the impact of GE on the locomotive market, look at how Alco and EMD
responded when GE introduced the Universal line in 1961.
Brad, your email caused me to smile because I never thought of the
Alliance or Sheridan Divisions as locations for speed runs. Recall
that in those days, the territory was a far cry from what is seen
today. IIRC, the line was single track, protected by ABS, and had
some controlled sidings with a low traffic density. Tractive effort
was what was needed to conquer the hills.
Regards,
Ed DeRouin
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