richabr posted:You would then get a locomotive with eight wheel drive, yes, it would mean some additional re-design but I wouldn't think it was insurmountable to do.
Not insurmountable but additional expense. The truck being considered for the new GP7 is probably a reuse of the current Baldwin truck which was changed to vertical drive a few models ago. Reuse of existing parts is a money saver. I too wouldn't mind a dual motor GP but I understand the price point considerations. The vertical motors are much better pullers than the horizontal cans were.
Rich
I had a close look at the CAD drawing of the underneath view and it looks like they are using the same powered truck assembly for the non powered dummy under the long hood without motor of course and probably without the gear assemblies.
If this is the case then there is probably a very small change in the design to get a flat can motor to fit both units. As for additional cost to purchase an eight wheel drive GP, would it really be much more than the cost of an additional motor.
Perhaps Dave would like to comment on the feasibility of doing this and would it really be viable to do.
