Old Engines in Passenger Service?

Question: Do you think the SD40-2F Red Barn would make a good passenger locomotive for any of the passenger railroads today?

Answer:  Since this forum is primarily aimed at answering questions or addressing issues from a trainmaster’s perspective, I’m obliged to say that, as a trainmaster, this issue wouldn't have any bearing on my responsibility to safely and efficiently execute my railroad’s operating plan.

Nonetheless, since you ask, I doubt any of the major passenger rail services would be much interested in SD40-2F locomotives.  While there is no mechanical reason these venerable old workhorses couldn’t be converted to passenger use, we must take into account the life accumulated on their frames coupled with the cost of adding all of the equipment (e.g., auxiliary generators, etc.) necessary to run passenger trains, plus the cost to install a fuel efficient diesel generator and associated equipment that will meet the increasingly rigorous emissions standards.  

Considering all of these factors, rail passenger services such as VIA, GO, Amtrak, etc., are probably going to opt for much newer, more efficient, cleaner, more reliable locomotives.  I don’t see any of these services investing in refurbishing programs (other than as stopgap measures as they recapitalize their fleets).  Perhaps a few of these beautiful old SD40-2Fs will find extended life on excursion railroads someplace.

Thanks for asking.  Stay safe!

Here we go!