The R68s are better than R40s in another thing, 1 aspect of speed. I've noticed on a few occasions, R68s are faster than R40s on the initial "take off" When a R68 and R40 both take power at the same time, the R68 will be faster. The R68 actually gains on the R40. This isn't any small gain. The R68 passes the R40 by about 2 door spaces!!! But, eventually, the R40 will catch up and ultimately be faster. This extra gain makes the R68 ideal for local routes. Sure, the R40 may be able to climb grades better but, remember that the R40 have an additional 2 cars worth of motors and the R68s weigh more.