Robert K posted:Even the upcoming E8 excursion to Altoona could be the last excursion for the E8’s due to PTC mandate. I guess if a loco isn’t PTC equipped, it won’t be able to lead a train on a railroad with PTC installed.
I don't see what's preventing the E8s from being equipped with PTC. Most E units today, especially E8s, have had some form of modernization and aren't true to their as-built configurations. All of UP's E9s have Roots-blown 16-645s in them producing 2000 hp. Original E9s had twin 12-567Cs, producing 2400 hp. Another example is the only other operational UP-painted E unit, E8 #942. It retains its original twin 12-567Cs, producing 2250 hp, but scars from Chicago commuter service are very noticeable. #942 is fitted with a beacon atop the cab and had a HEP generator installed in the rear (generator is not currently operational, essentially a bucket of rust now but it's there). Another noticeable difference is #942 has had its #2 main generator replaced, as it was really abused in commuter service.
If PTC keeps them running, I say install PTC. The ever-growing snowball for older equipment can be slowed down, and modernization while staying as true as logically possible is the way to do this.
