On 10-06-97 ANDREW HAMBLYN wrote to KEN FREEMAN... 
 
 AH> Here in New Zealand we have a fleet of 48 GE u-bangers, all of which 
 AH> are in  
 AH> service. These are approaching 25 years old, and are still going 
 AH> strong. 
 AH> I really dont know why the americans get rid of locos that are only 
 AH> 25-30  
 AH> years old when they have good life left in them....... 
Well, it depends on the model and economics. GP9's now aren't much good for  
mainline service, but still are great for switching and shortline duties. 
With 
most of the big freight railroads getting out of doing any local service, 
that 
makes them expendable. Same goes for yard switchers. Plus, engines like a GP9 
are now almost 50 years old (some of them) and are on their third or fourth 
rebuild.  
As for GE's the big problem there is that GE never really has allowed a large 
amount of "aftermarket" replacement parts companies to get going. If you need 
parts for them, you go to GE. But, if you need something like a turbocharger 
for an EMD, you can go to EMD or someone like Boise Locomotive or Chrome.  
Even that's starting to change somewhat now, as companies like Livingston 
Rebuild 
acquire second generation GE's for leasing use.  
                                    K 
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