Why Did General Motors Stop Making Switching Locomotives?
While the market for switchers is not as prolific as it once was, make no mistake that they are still in demand to some degree, as you have to look no further than the “Green Goat” hybrids (which, due to their size and virtually no emissions are perfect for switching and light duty work). Having said that though, mostly why you do not see them cataloged anymore is because the high demand for them prior to, say, the 1980s is no longer there; road-switchers are capable of doing almost every type of job switchers were tasked with as well as hauling main line freight trains (heck, even GE exited the switcher market back in the 1950s with the 70-tonner). Anyway, because switchers are making a comeback with Gensets and “Green Goats” I really doubt there was ever a conspiracy or deal worked out between the Class Is and EMD to end switcher production just to thwart the smaller shippers.
