New Union Pacific mother-slug sets coming NEWSWIRE

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — Union Pacific is embarking on a program to modernize its hump yard locomotives system-wide as the first in a new generation of mother-slug sets take shape. The railroad already uses two SD38-2s or a SD38-2 and SD40-2 on hump and trim jobs in its larger yards.

The railroad is ordering 45 SD40N mother-slug sets to be built at Metro East Industries in East St. Louis beginning this year. The SD40Ns are upgraded from existing SD40-2s while the slugs, officially called PS6Bs by the railroad will be built from former SD38-2s and SD40-2s.

Unlike earlier Union Pacific PS6Bs that featured a cut down long hood and no cab, the new PS6Bs will retain most of their as-built appearance, complete with working cab. The slugs also have their prime movers removed and fuel tanks filled with concrete for additional ballast. They are also receiving electrical upgrades for slug duties.

Expect the first new slug set to emerge from Metro East Industries soon with deliveries throughout the rest of the year and into 2018.