The escape hatch is completely and totally nuts as a reason why they can't be used to go into GCT, it's the third rail issue. Amtrak and Mtero North both own the Genesis Series II (otherwise known as the P32AC-DM). These engines have nearly identical designs, no escape hatch, and actually fewer exits from the engine itself. The P32 has a total of 6, two in the cab, two in the engine room, and two in the helicopter room. Meanwhile the P40 has seven, two in the cab, two in the engine room, and three in the helicopter room, the noticable difference being the back door to the engine that allows access to the train or a trailing unit.
As far as fuel consumption is concerned its absurd to think that the GE's are going to burn more fuel than the GP-40's or FL9's. Those engines were built decades ago with less refined technology. The GP-40 is essentially the same power plant as an F-40, so why would anyone design and buy an engine that's less fuel efficient than its predecessor? Do the P-40's have some miles on them, yes. But so do the GP-40's and FL9's, probably more than the P-40's do. I would also find it hard to believe that the engines have 4 million miles on them. If they had that many miles on them that would require them to travel 913 miles everyday, 365 days a year, for 12 years. Keep in mind this unit was captive on the Sunset and Auto Train for a number of years, so the most it could do is 1710 miles over a 3 day period, nevermind down time for inspections, repairs, etc.
