Yes SD80MAC'S are getting to be a rare unit on the NS as it seems most older EMD's are either being sidelined or sold.
As far as the delayed reason for the NS using DP trains it's all about follow the leader.NS for several years has used DP on unit coal trains,but until CSX started running two mile long freight trains NS was sitting back watching to see if CSX would continue,it had nothing to do union agreements.
NS has been ordering for years now the technology in about all their GE locomotives DP software. All new A/C units I've been on has it.
I've heard of one 17,000 foot train run from Williamson,WV to Portsmouth,Oh so far as being the longest that was tried,but the upper management wasn't to happy about that.
With all this PTC,Trip Optimizer and DP finding it's way into the mix ,it's getting to be a real headache to run a train anymore. Now were at 5th notch reduction for corporate trains that operate over 50mph,unless your on fuel management with Trip Optimizer.
