> > The CN SD70I and SD75I (5600-5800) have regular consol control stands.
> > They do have a microwave oven, a hotplate and a cupholder on the
> > conductor's side (I didn't notice a cupholder for the engineer [Tush or
> > Redbone?]). They also have an electric refrigerator.
>
> No, gotta set it on the control stand.
>
> Tuch
Redbone mentioned the little stand in front of the Engineer. I forgot about
that. The cupholder isn't too deep on it though, not suited for a tall
travel mug.
The #30 automatic brake valve on the SD70/75I's and Dash 9's is the very
same one on the desktop units, only turned sideways.
CN units also have front and rear ditchlight controls. The IC's that have
rear ditchlights don't. They are operated right from the regular headlight
switch. When backing up and the rear headlight on bright with unit MU'd to
another the rear ditch lights on the unit you are running from go on. Very
annoying. With CN units, you can shut those ditch lights off. CN units
(newer ones) have an illuminated number board inside the cab, indicator
lights that show you both front or rear headlights and ditchlights are
illuminated, a speedometer mounted on the rear electrical cabinet door
behind the Engineer. This is very handy if you have to operate long hood
forward; the speedo is always in front of you so you don't have to keep
turning around. There is a desk on the Fireman's side for the conductor with
a reading light for him. The desktop opens to stowe away items too.
The seats are large and very comfortable, made of cloth fabric whic is more
comfortable in the hotter months and very adjustable. The Canadians realize
that their employees aren't all the same size and weight.
CN units are all equipped with first aid kits and stretchers as required by
law in Canada. They also have crew vigilance systems, more commonly known as
alertors. Another feature required by law. In glass defrosters are included
too. With the central heating system, they are necessary, although most, if
not all of the older units have them too.
The Canadians also had two way telemetry units years before we had them.
>From the first day of cabooseless operation in Canada, they were required.
For an American unit to be suited for international leader status, it must
have the first aid kit, hot plate, electric sidewall heaters, electric
forced air heaters ( both on units not equipped with central heating),
alertor, firts aid kit, stretcher and a few other goodies that don't come to
mind. I'm not certain if the microwave is required on American units, but
believe it is. Prior to them being required in the US, two way telemetry
capability and ditch lights were also required. I don't see the CNIC
converting too many of their units to International leader status anytime
soon. Several GTW/DWP units received the conversions, mostly GP40 and SD40
series units. These units are in in the CNNA paint scheme. All of the ex
MoPac SD40-2's rebuilt to -3's received all new cabs and the International
leader status as well.
On the CP side of things, many Soo units, including all of the SD60's and
many SD40-2's have been "IL'd". They used to issue a list periodically of
all the units and their international status. They shoed units designated as
"international trailers" whatever in the world that was. When I called
Toronto one time to get information about leader status, they faxed me the
list and would update it periodically for me. (This was during my
Trainmastering days). Nobody at Toronto or Montreal could explain the
reasoning of the trailing status, or even what the difference was. None of
the leasers ever qualified though. Anytime an improvement is made to a lease
unit at leaser's own expense, the improvement is required to stay with the
unit. CP wasn't about to put money into a bunch of rent a wreck units.
Tuch
------------------------------------------------------
This is the Illiana Railroad Discussion List.
For more info visit http://www.railcenter.com/illiana
------------------------------------------------------
