An Imaginative Solution
Rather than take the quick-and-easy route
of simply scrapping the older units and spending the money necessary to replace them - a program that could cost well over
a half billion dollars - the Transportation Department, in conjunction with the Mechanical Department, offered an
alternate strategy.
Most of the first generation diesels would be scrapped but a few could be rebuilt for extended life in yard
service. The smaller second generation locomotives which are generally in line and road service would be rebuilt and
cascaded down into yard service. Others could be rebuilt to meet current road service requirements and the remainder
modified for local freight and road switcher assignments. All third generation power would be retained in road service with
new units added over the life of the program.
The process of rebuilding certain first and second generation locomotives and cascading these downward into
yard service would offer the twofold benefit of improving yard power and creating the opportunity for upgrading road power
through the acquisition of new units.
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