Are there any class 1 railroads that still actively operate an F or E cab-unit for revenue freight service?

Question

Are there any class 1 railroads that still actively operate an F or E cab-unit for revenue freight service?

Answer 1

Yes!  Contrary to the other answers given, there is one Class 1 railroad that still uses F-units in regular revenue service, as opposed to just for business trains or inspection trains or specials; Metro North.  They have seven FL9's and three F-10's (the F-10's were originally F-3's built for the Illinois Central Gulf).  If you would like to see them, come to New York and travel on one of the Metro North branch lines (Danbury shuttle, Wassaic shuttle, Waterbury shuttle).  If you would like to see some videos of the FL9 or an F10, check these out. http://youtube.com/watch?v=QLRBIeWQ99U

http://youtube.com/watch?v=if-UI9BVCd4

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aed9pSKQWEY

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7Xd-YVFk0Aw

I hope this has been helpful for you.

Answer 2

No, none of the class 1's hvae F or E-units that they use in freight service. However, a couple class 1's, including CP & NS do own active F-units that are used for business trains or other special passenger trains, such as CP's Royal Canadian Pacific, which is pulled by F-units.

Answer 3

The last one I served on with the SP was in early 1972.  Oddly, it was still painted in the old Black Widow paint scheme, not the "bloody nose."

I know I saw the WP operating them as late as 1976 or so.

I don't think there are any left in revenue service in the US.

Answer 4

Chris,

No, unfortunately all of the cab units have long since been retired from Class I freight service although I think some lasted unto the 1970s and early 1980s.  You can still find them out there, however, on Class I business trains (not to mention in use on regionals and shortlines).  

I believe that the BNSF Railway still uses some Fs on its business train and Norfolk Southern recently restored three for four as well for its business train.  Also, Union Pacific has four E units in its Heritage Collection (I think which they use as well for special business and other venues.)

EDIT: And I forgot to mention that I think Kansas City Southern also has a few Fs for its business train in the railroad's Southern Belle livery.