EMD SD70 series

The EMD SD70 is a series of road switcher diesel-electric locomotives produced by Electro-Motive Diesel in response to the GE Dash 9-44CW. Production commenced in late 1992[1] and since then over 5,700 units have been produced; most of these are the SD70M and SD70MAC models. All locomotives of this series are hood units with C-C trucks, except the SD70ACe-P4 which has a B1-1B wheel configuration, and the SD70ACe-BB, which has a B-B-B-B wheel arrangement.

EMD SD70 series
Norfolk Southern Railway SD70 2562
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) Model SD70, SD70I, SD70M, SD70M-2, SD70AC, SD70MAC, SD70ACe, SD70ACe/LCi, SD70ACS, SD70ACe-T4, SD70ACe-BB, SD70ACe/45, SD70IAC, SD70ACe/LW, SD70ACU, SD70ACC, SD70MACH, SD70MACe Build date 1992-present Total produced SD70: 122 SD70I: 26 SD70M: 1,609 SD70M-2: 331 SD70MAC: 1,109 SD70ACe: 2,091 SD70ACe/lc: 194 SD70ACS: 38 SD70ACe-T4: 105 SD70ACe-BB: 80 SD70ACe/45: 80
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C (B+B-B+B for SD70ACe-BB)  • UIC Co'Co' (Bo'Bo'Bo'Bo' for SD70ACe-BB)  • Commonwealth Co-Co (Bo+Bo-Bo+Bo for SD70ACe-BB) Gauge 4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge for the North American market; 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) for Brazil; 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ^3⁄8 in) metre gauge for Brazil and Guinea Trucks EMD HTCR-Ia: SD70, SD70I, SD70M, SD70MAC; EMD HTCR-Ib: SD70I, SD70M, SD70MAC, SD70ACU; EMD HTCR-4: SD70M, SD70MAC, SD70ACe; EMD HTCR-6: SD70ACe, SD70ACe-T4; EMD HTSC-II: SD70M, SD70ACe, SD70ACe/LCi, SD70ACS ,SD70ACe/45; EMD GBB: SD70ACe-BB Prime mover EMD 16-710-G3 2-stroke diesel; EMD 12-1010J 4-stroke diesel for SD70ACe-T4 Engine type V16; V12 for SD70ACe-T4 Cylinders 16 12 for SD70ACe-T4 engine Transmission Diesel electric
Career Operators Various Disposition Many operational, several retired due to wrecks, one to be preserved.

Superseding the HT-C truck, a new bolsterless radial HTCR truck was fitted to all EMD SD70s built 1992-2002; in 2003 the non-radial HTSC truck (basically the HTCR made less costly by removing radial components) was made standard on the SD70ACe and SD70M-2 models; the radial HTCR truck remained available as an option.

Models

SD70 (1992-1994)

Illinois Central SD70 1004

The EMD SD70 typically has the smaller spartan cab, typical on preceding SD60 models, instead of the larger comfort cab used on later models. Notable differences between the SD70 and SD60 are the radial steering EMD HTCR truck instead of the older HTC truck, and the SD70's overall length of 72 ft 4in, the older SD60 being 71 ft 2 in. The SD70 also rides higher as its frame is approximately ¹⁄₂ inch (13 mm) higher than the SD60. This model is equipped with direct current (DC) traction motors, which simplifies the locomotive's electrical system by obviating the need for computer-controlled inverters (as are required for alternating current (AC) power). It is equipped with the 4,000 horsepower (3,000 kW), 16-cylinder EMD 710 prime mover. One hundred and twenty-two examples of this model locomotive were produced for Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), Conrail (CR), Illinois Central Railroad (IC) and Southern Peru Copper Corporation (SPCC). Conrail's assets were split between Norfolk Southern (PRR) and CSX Transportation in 1999, and all 24 of Conrail's SD70 units went to NS. Other than the CR paint scheme these units were built to NS specifications and numbered (2557 - 2580) in series with Norfolk Southern's already purchased SD70s.

Production of the standard cab at EMDs London, Ontario plant ended in 1994. The 24 Conrail SD70s were assembled from kits at Conrail's Juniata Shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where the IC and SPCC SD70s were assembled from kits at Super Steel Schenectady. Most SD70s are still in service with Norfolk Southern and Canadian National (CN), which merged Illinois Central in 1999. In February 2017, NS began a program to convert their SD70s from DC to AC, which will also have a new wide cab, and several other upgrades. They will be designated as SD70ACC.

SD70M (1992-2004)

A comparison of the various versions of the SD70's as operated by Union Pacific Railroad

UP SD70M no. 4352 at Fairbury, Nebraska in July 2014

The SD70M has a wide nose and a large comfort cab (officially known as the "North American Safety Cab"), allowing crew members to ride more comfortably inside of the locomotive than the older standard cab designs. There are two versions of this cab on SD70Ms: the Phase 1 cab, which was first introduced on the SD60M, and the Phase 2 cab, which is a boxier design similar to the original three-piece windscreen on the SD60M, which is shared with the Phase 2 SD90MAC, SD89MAC, and SD80ACe. The Phase 2 cab has a two-piece windscreen like the Phase 1 windscreen but the design of the nose is more boxy, with a taller square midsection for more headroom.

The SD70M is equipped with D90TR DC traction motors and the 710G3B prime mover.[2] They are capable of generating 109,000 lbf (480 kN) of continuous tractive effort.[2] From mid-2000, the SD70M was produced with SD45-style flared radiators allowing for the larger radiator cores needed for split-cooling. Split-cooling is a feature that separates the coolant circuit for the prime mover and the circuit for the air pumps and turbocharger. There are two versions of this radiator: the older version has two large radiator panels on each side, and the newer version has four square panels on each side. This modification was made in response to the enactment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 1 environmental regulations. Also the truck was replaced with HTCR-4, instead of HTCR-I on former model.

Production of the SD70M ceased in late 2004 as production of the SD70M-2 model began (the EPA's Tier 2 regulations went into effect on 1 January 2005). 1,609 examples of the SD70M model were produced. Purchasers included CSXT, New York Susquehanna & Western (NYSW; part of EMDX order no. 946531[3]), Norfolk Southern and Southern Pacific (SP; now part of the Union Pacific Railroad), but the vast majority were purchased by Union Pacific.

An order of SD70Ms made history when Union Pacific ordered 1000 units of the model (UP 4000 through UP 4999, inclusive, although 4014 was renumbered 4479 to accommodate steam locomotive Big Boy 4014 in 2019[4] ). This order was later extended by nearly 500 additional units (UP 3999 and below, UP 5000 and above, except for 3985, which was left vacant for the Union Pacific Challenger 3985).

This locomotive model is also built for export, and is still catalogued by EMD (at 4,300 hp or 3,200 kW). CVG Ferrominera Orinoco has 6 SD70Ms that were built as an add-on order to UPs FIRE cab equipped SD70Ms. Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) in Brazil has ordered 55 of this model for service in Carajas pulling trainloads of iron ore. Since CVRD track is gauged at 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in), a wider bogie, the HTSC2, was designed for these units by EMD.[5]

SD70I (1995)

Canadian National SD70I 5619 in Winnipeg

The SD70I is a version of the SD70M which has been fitted with a cab that is isolated from the frame of the locomotive with rubber gaskets (officially known as a "WhisperCab"). The isolation reduces noise and vibration from the prime mover. A seam is visible across the nose and on the long hood where the cab connects with the body. 26 examples of this model locomotive were produced, all for Canadian National Railway. The WhisperCab feature was incorporated into some SD70MACs and was standard on both the SD80MAC and SD90/43MAC models.

SD70MAC (1993-2000)

Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana SD70MAC 1627 at Nueva Italia station

Conrail "White Smiley" SD-70MAC seen in Cleveland, Ohio with an autorack train

The SD70MAC uses three phase AC traction motors. Production of the model commenced in 1993, competing against the GE Dash 9-44CW.[1][6] The majority of SD70MAC models were produced with the 4,000 horsepower (3,000 kW) EMD 710 prime mover while later units are rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW) and feature EMD SD45-style flared radiators. The Alaska Railroad ordered their locomotives with head-end power to make them suitable for both freight and passenger service; no other railroad ordered this variant.[7] The trucks were replaced with HTCR-4, instead of HTCR-I on former model.

CSX 4761 with EMD SD45-style flared radiators leading a stack train.

The SD70MAC is no longer produced due to EPA regulations, and was replaced by the SD70ACe in 2004. In total, 1,109 SD70MACs were produced, purchased by Burlington Northern Railroad (and its successor, BNSF Railway), Conrail, CSX Transportation, Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana (TFM; units now owned by Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS)), and the Alaska Railroad.

SD70ACe (2004-present)

BNSF Railway SD70ACe no. 8794 coupled to an SD70MAC, providing a good comparison of the two models.

The SD70ACe is the successor to the SD70MAC with design changes to comply with emission standards. The engine fires with 15% lower internal pressure to improve emissions and features fewer internal components in the inverter.[8] SD70ACe is equipped with EMD's 16-710-G3C-T2 prime mover, rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW); later Tier 3 models are rated at 4,500 horsepower (3,400 kW).[9] They are rated at 157,000 lbf (700 kN) continuous tractive effort (191,000 lbf (850 kN) starting). Braking effort is rated at 106,000 lbf (470 kN).[9]

Ferromex 4079 SD70ACe in León, Guanajuato

Ferrosur SD70ACe locomotive 4124, equipped with experimental sheet-metal awnings over the radiator air intakes

In 2012, EMD also built four models known as the SD70ACe-P6. These units, unlike previous SD70ACe's, have one inverter per axle on the trucks, rather than EMD's traditional one inverter per truck design.

In 2014, BNSF Railway took delivery of 20 SD70ACe-P4 units, numbered 8500-8519. This model was designed with a B1-1B wheel arrangement to compete with GE's ES44C4 model, which has an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement. Two of EMD's demonstrator SD70ACe-P4's went to Tacoma Rail in late 2014 for a 5-year lease.

On January 1, 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 4 locomotive emission regulations went into effect. EMD could not successfully modify the SD70ACe's 2-stroke 710 series prime mover to be Tier 4-compliant; thus, the Tier 3 SD70ACe was succeeded by the SD70ACe-T4 in late 2015. However, US production of the Tier 3-compliant SD70ACe continues with Tier 4 'credit units' (new Tier 3-compliant units EMD is entitled to build based on previously-earned emissions credits). Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are currently the only US roads to own Tier 4 credit unit SD70ACe's. Additionally, EMD has continued building Tier 3 SD70ACe's for Ferromex (4100-4118), Ferrosur (4119-4133), and Kansas City Southern de Mexico (4200-4224) at Bombardier's locomotive plant in Ciudad Sahagún, Mexico. These locomotives are restricted to Mexico-only operation and cannot cross the US border (just as Canadian National's newest Tier 3 GE ES44AC's are restricted to Canadian use only).

In March 2016, EMD replaced the standard cast HTCR-4 trucks on NS SD70ACe 1000 with the new fabricated HTCR-6 trucks for testing. UP and BNSF plan to test the new HTCR-6 trucks on some of their SD70ACe units also.

Union Pacific Railroad received 273 additional SD70ACe units in 2014 and 2016. These are referred to as SD70AH (T4C) , H for Heavy, because they are ballasted to 428,000 lbs instead of the standard "ACe's" 420,000 lbs.

SD70M-2 (2004-2011)

Canadian National SD70M-2 8880 in Harvey, Illinois in June 2010

The SD70M-2 is a DC traction version of the SD70ACe, and is nearly identical to the SD70ACe. Production began in 2005.[1] SD70M-2 models are equipped with the 16-710G3C-T2 or 16-710G3C prime mover which is rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW).[10]

SD70ACe-T4 (2015-present)

Union Pacific SD70ACe-T4 locomotive 3032

The SD70ACe-T4 is the Tier 4 emissions standards-compliant successor of the SD70ACe. The first locomotive, EMDX 1501, was built in summer 2015, and made its debut at the Railway Interchange Expo in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the weekend of October 3–4, 2015. It features a new 4-stroke engine called the EMD 12-1010 "J" series - a V12 with 1010 cu.in displacement for each cylinder. This new prime mover has a two-stage turbocharger system consisting of three turbos; one turbo (the primary/high pressure turbo) for low-mid RPM and two turbos (the secondary/low pressure turbos) for mid-high RPM. The results of this setup are higher power throughout a broader RPM range, better fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. An EGR system is applied as well, allowing the engine to achieve Tier 4 without the use of urea aftertreatment. Another new feature of this engine is the Double-Walled Fuel Injection System that increases safety and provides simplified maintenance works.

The EMD 12-1010 is capable of producing 4,600 hp, but only 4,400 tractive horsepower.[11] With a new computer software for the on-board computer and one inverter per axle (or "P6"; EMD named it "Individual Axle Control") - unlike most of previous EMD locomotives that use one inverter per truck, the SD70ACe-T4 is capable of generating 200,000 lbf. (889.64 kN.) of starting tractive effort, and 175,000 lbf. (778.75 kN.) of continuous tractive effort. Meanwhile, its dynamic braking effort is as much as 105,000 lbf. (467.25 kN.) The amount of starting tractive effort is equal to that of the 6,000 hp SD90MAC-H while, on the other hand, its continuous tractive effort is higher than that of the SD90MAC-H (175,000 lbf. vs. 165,000 lbf.). The units are also equipped with "radial bogies" which offer increased adhesion and better ride quality.[11]

While it retains the basic SD70 designation, the locomotive has several major new features that set it apart from its successful ancestor such as a vibration-isolated powertrain, and alternator start capability. In addition, it features a newly redesigned cab reminiscent of the earlier SD70M, featuring the classic "teardrop" windshields first introduced on the FP45 in December 1967; new fabricated trucks; a longer frame (76 ft. 8 in / 23.37 m); longer radiators with three radiator fans instead of two; an additional step on the front and rear; and a smoother long hood roofline.[12][13][14][15]

Fifteen SD70ACe-T4 demonstrators were built at Muncie, IN by November 2016. Union Pacific Railroad is the first customer to order SD70ACe-T4's. UP 3012-3014, the first production SD70ACe-T4's, were assigned to active service in early November 2016.

Union Pacific will acquire 100 SD70ACe-T4's: 12 former demonstrators will be rostered as UP 3000-3011, and 88 production units (3012-3099). 3012-3056 were built at Bombardier's Sahagun, Mexico plant. 3057-3099 will be built at Muncie, IN, following completion of the Tier 4 credit SD70ACe's UP 8997-9096. All UP SD70ACe-T4's are classified as SD70AHT4s.

EMDX 1501 will remain in Progress Rail Services ownership as a test bed.

SD70ACeP4-T4's EMDX 1603 and 1604 were built and painted as demonstrators for the BNSF Railway. These units have a B1-1B wheel arrangement akin to the SD70ACe-P4.

In August 2018, CSX Transportation ordered 10 SD70ACe-T4's, of which all have now been delivered. They are classified by CSX as ST70AH. Norfolk Southern initially ordered 10 SD70ACe-T4's, but later cancelled the order, instead opting for more SD70ACe Tier-4 credit locomotives. The cancelled SD70ACe-T4 locomotives are now part of the Progress Rail lease fleet.

SD70ACe/LCi (2005-Present)

BHP Billiton Iron Ore's 4308 & 4373 at Nelson Point yard, Port Hedland in April 2012

The SD70ACe/LCi is a low clearance, export version of the SD70ACe. The LCi in the model designation stands for Low Clearance international as these locomotives are designed to negotiate the tight clearances under the mine equipment. External differences between the SD70ACe and SD70ACe/LCi models include the addition of marker lights, number boards located lower on the nose rather than on top of the cab, windscreen protector panels (to deflect abrasive iron ore when in mid train position), fire suppression canisters, louvre style vents, different horn and subtle differences with handrails.[16]

In 2004, BHP Billiton ordered a first batch of 14 SD70ACe/LCi locomotives for use on iron ore trains in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.[16] It operated in 2015 a fleet of 23 SD70ACe/LCi locomotives beside of 142 standard SD70ACe, from which the newest locomotives are built in 2014.[17]

The first member of the class (4300) was purchased for parts and dismantled upon arrival in Australia. This was because it was cheaper to purchase a complete locomotive than buy the components individually.[18][19] The first batch of SD70ACe/LCi's (4301-4313) was ordered in 2004 and named after sidings on the BHP system.[16][20] Since it did not have the newer, isolated cab of the second and subsequent batches it was traded in to the supplier for locomotives with newer cab assemblies.[17]

The second batch of locomotives (4314-4323) arrived between August and November 2006.

An order for a third batch of 13 SD70ACe/LCi's (4334-4346) was placed in August 2007, but such was the demand for locomotive power in the Pilbara region, a deal was done with BNSF Railway for BHP Billiton to purchase ten standard North American SD70ACes (4324-4333) that were in build as their 9166, 9167, 9184-9191. Construction was sufficiently advanced when the deal was concluded for them to have been painted, hence they were delivered in BNSF orange livery. Some modifications have been made to bring them in line with the rest of the fleet. A fifth batch of SD70ACe's (Numbers 4347-4355) was delivered in July 2009.[16][18]

An additional 18 units (numbers 4356-4373) were delivered in the second half of 2010, bringing the total of SD70ACe type locomotives in service to 72.[19] In March 2012, BHP Billiton ordered a further 80.[21]

In July 2012 fellow Pilbara operator, Fortescue Metals Group, took the delivery of the first of a fleet of 19, later extended to 21 (701-721).[19][22][23]

In 2018, some BHP SD70ACe/LCis were sold to Montana Rail Link.

SD70ACS (2009-Present)

Saudi Railway Company EMDX 3025 (behind 3024, 3023, 3017) heading north through St. Mary's, Ontario in October 2010

The SD70ACS is a 4,500 horsepower (3,400 kW) AC variant for heavy haul freight, used in desert environments. The first 25 units were ordered for Saudi Railway Company in April 2009 and assembled in the London, Ontario plant for delivery in the second half of 2010. Special features include a pulse filtration system, movable sand plows, EM2000 control system and FIRE display system.[24]

Mauritania's Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière placed a contract for six SD70ACS locomotives in October 2010.[25]

In July 2011 Etihad Rail ordered seven SD70ACS locomotives for delivery in 2012.[26] Seven locomotives were delivered in 2013.[27]

SD70ACe-BB (2015-present)

In October 2015, EMD started producing SD70ACe-BB locomotives for Brazilian 1000mm gauge railroads.

SD70ACe/45 (2004-present)

An EMD SD70ACe/45 owned by Eldorado Brasil

The SD70ACe/45 is a diesel-electric locomotive built by EMD plant in Sete Lagoas, MG Brazil. Different from the SD70ACe in North America, the SD70ACe/45 has a longer frame (76 ft. 6 in.) and three radiator fans on the radiator section since it uses the same car body of the SD80ACe produced by EMD plant in London, Canada to Vale mining in Brazil. It uses 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) gauge. 80 SD70ACe/45s had been built.

SD70IAC (2019-present)

In early 2019 with the delivery of the new SD70ACe-T4C locomotives to Norfolk Southern, a new type of the T4C (Tier 4 Credit) locomotives was rolled out of Progress Rail in Muncie, Indiana. The SD70IAC, SD standing for Special Duty, 70 standing for 70 series, and IAC standing for Individual Axle Control. They are still classified as SD70ACe's on the side of the locomotive but are designated as SD70IAC within the cab controls. The new IAC system improves the existing traction system.

SD70ACe/LW (2007-present)

The SD70ACe/LW is a diesel-electric locomotive built by EMD. Similar to the SD70ACe in North America in the rear, it features a new isolated cab similar to the flat nosed cab of the GT46-ACE GEN II. The SD70ACe/LW has a 16-710G3C-T2 prime-mover with 4,500 horsepower. It uses an AC traction system with a top speed of 74 mph (120 km/h). The SD70ACe/LW is 16 feet and 6 inches tall With 1520 mm gauge.

Rebuilds

SD70ACU

Main article: EMD SD70ACU

NS SD70ACU 7305

The SD70ACU was first built by EMD and later rebuilt by Norfolk Southern. It is originally an SD90MAC (or better known as a SD9043MAC) that has been rebuilt to renew its electrical components and replace the cab with the new EMD Phase-II cab to comply with the most recent safety requirements. These locomotives are similar to the SD70ACe model, but the main body features are all reminiscent to the SD90MAC features. They also have the latest EMD cab that meets current FRA crashworthiness standards. These locomotives also have the Ultra Cab II, locomotive speed limiter (LSL), and cab signals. 100 of the 110 units Norfolk Southern purchased were originally SD9043MACs previously operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. The other 10 units were acquired by a trade with Cit Group for MP15DCs. All NS-owned SD9043MACs are slowly being rebuilt by NS at its shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania. As of May 7, 2019, all 110 SD70ACU units owned by Norfolk Southern have been completed and released to active service.

CP SD70ACU 7029

Canadian Pacific has also began a program to convert their SD90MAC units into SD70ACUs, but unlike Norfolk Southern, Progress Rail is performing the rebuilds. The first of these have since been released. The initial order was for 30 units and then increased to 60. Canadian Pacific originally rostered 61 SD90MACs, These units spent much of the 2010-decade parked in long term storage, with the exception of three, which were retired and scrapped in 2012. The remaining 58, along with two surplus Union Pacific SD90MACs, will be used as cores for the 60 SD70ACUs. 10 have been painted in the classic CP tuscan and grey paint scheme, and 5 as special armed forces units. The remainder will receive the standard CP red paint scheme.

SD70ACC

The SD70ACC is the latest rebuild in Norfolk's Southern's DC to AC program. It has the new EMD safety cab, similar to the SD70ACe cab, but with the “teardrop windshield”, much like the SD70ACe-T4. The SD70ACC has been rebuilt with AC traction motors, an AAR-style control stand, an electrical cabinet with Mitsubishi electronics, a new main alternator, and additional weight to increase the maximum weight to 432,000 pounds. The SD70ACC is rated at 4,500 horsepower (3,355.649 kilowatts), has a fuel capacity of 4,900 gallons, and has dynamic braking, cab signals, and LSL (Locomotive Speed Limiter).

Norfolk Southern is rebuilding its fleet of SD70s into SD70ACC specifications.[28][29] The first two units, 1800 and 1801, were unveiled in a special yellow and grey paint scheme to promote the DC to AC program, similar to the paint schemes used on the first GE AC44C6M. As of January 2020, 52 units have been rebuilt and have since been released to service, with many more units undergoing rebuild.[30]

SD70MACe

The SD70MACe is a rebuilt SD70MAC locomotive with Electronics, first rebuilt by the BNSF Railway, and later rebuilt by CSX and KCS.

SD70MACH

The SD70MACH is a SD70MAC rebuilt by Progress Rail for Metra. The rebuild also includes the addition of head end power along with meeting Tier 3 emissions. Metra has approved of a purchase of 15 SD70MACHs for passenger service, with options of up to 27 more.[31] They will become the first six-axle passenger engines since the EMD F40C and the Alaska Railroad's HEP-equipped SD70MACs.

Operators

North America

• ArcelorMittal, operated by Cartier Railway
  • 5 SD70ACe units, numbered 9001-9005. Delivered in May 2013.
• Alaska Railroad
  • 28 SD70MAC units, numbered 4001-4016 and 4317–4328.[32] The units numbered 4317–4328 have flared radiators for Tier 1 compliance and are equipped with head-end power (HEP) generators for passenger service.
• Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
  • 3 SD70ACe units, numbered 70-72. Units are ex-EMDX 1201-1203.
• BNSF Railway
  • 786 SD70MAC units, numbered 8800–8989, 9400–9499 and 9504–9999.[33] Unit 8876 was retired and scrapped following a wreck. Units 9400–9716 are ex-Burlington Northern Railroad. 9400-9579 are built without the isolated cab while 9580-9716 are built with the isolated cab. Units 9551-9564 were sold to PRLX in 2017. Many 97xx units rebuilt as SD70MACe. Units 9412, 9413, 9415, 9416 and 9418 have been retired. Unit 9941 was converted to a SD70MACe. 8945 sold to KCS as their 3974.
  • 640 SD70ACe units, numbered 8400-8499, 8520-8599, 8749-8799, 8990-9158, & 9160-9399.[33] 9159 wrecked, rebuilt, and renumbered 8749.
  • 20 SD70ACe-P4s, numbered 8500-8519.
• Canadian National Railway
  • 26 SD70I units, numbered 5600–5625.[34]
  • 190 SD70M-2 units, numbered 8000–8024 & 8800–8964. All units are equipped for Distributed Power operation.[34]
  • 3 SD70M-2 units, numbered 140–142.[35]
• Canadian Pacific Railway
  • 60 SD70ACU units, numbered 6644, 7000-7023, 7025-7059. Rebuilt from CP and Ex-UP SD90MACs as well as parts from seven Ex-NS SD80MACs.
• CSX Transportation
  • 25 SD70M units, numbered 4675–4699.[36] All are ex-EMD demonstrators. All units were sold to Progress Rail (PRLX) in mid 2018.
  • Originally 220 SD70MAC units, numbered 4500–4589 and 4701–4830.[36] Unit 4716 were wrecked and retired in 2014. Unit 4542 also were wrecked and retired. Units numbered 4575–4589 are ex-Conrail units. 16 of CSX's SD70MAC locomotives (units 4501-4506, 4510-4512, 4516-4520, 4522 & 4523) were sold to Four Rivers Transportation, 16 of which went to the Paducah & Louisville Railway and its subsidiary, the Evansville Western Railway (EVWR 4517, 4519 and 4520). PAL repainted three SD70MACs in special livery: one in University of Kentucky Blue & White colors to mark the school's 2012 NCAA Basketball Championship (PAL 2012, ex-4505). They painted a second unit into University of Louisville Red & White to mark their 2013 NCAA Basketball Championship (PAL 2013, ex-4506). The third special unit, PAL 4522, is also painted in University of Kentucky blue and white, and commemorates all 8 of UK's championship wins. All units are used in regular freight service, between Paducah and Louisville, KY. 4759 Sold to LTEX. Some 4500 Series are being rebuilt as SD70MACe in Huntington, West Virginia.
  • 20 SD70ACe units, numbered 4831–4850. 4839 retired due to an alternator failure. All retired in 2017 and sold to Progress Rail (PRLX), 4834 vandalized with C&O lettering in April 2018.
• Ferromex
  • 97 SD70ACe units numbered 4000–4096.[37]
• Florida East Coast Railway
  • 8 SD70M-2 units, numbered 100–107.[38]
• Illinois Central Railroad
  • 40 SD70 units, numbered 1000–1039.[34] Units 1006, 1013, 1014 & 1023 were wrecked and retired.
• Kansas City Southern Railway
  • 75 SD70MAC units, numbered 3900–3902, 3904–3905, 3907, 3910–3916, 3918, 3920–3921, 3924–3926, 3928–3930, 3932, 3934–3935, 3937–3938, 3941–3942, 3944, 3946–3948, 3951, 3953, 3955, 3957, 3961–3964, 3966–3968, 3970, 3972–3974.[39] All are ex-Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana (TFM) units. Some being rebuilt to SD70MACe. Unit 3974 are Ex-BNSF 8945. Unit 3907 were sold to Metra.
  • 153 SD70ACe units, numbered 3997–4059, 4100–4129, & 4140-4199.[39] Units 3997–3999 are ex-EMD demonstrators. 4014 wrecked and have been retired.
• Kansas City Southern de México
  • 75 SD70ACe units, numbered 4060–4099, 4130-4139, & 4200-4224. Units 4200-4224, built in 2015, are not Tier 4 compliant and are thus restricted to Mexico.
• Luminant (formerly Texas Utitilies Generating Co.,TUGX)
  • 2 SD70ACe units, numbered 5308 & 5309. Units are ex-EMDX 1204 & 1205 respectively.
• Montana Rail Link
  • 29 SD70ACe units, numbered 4300–4319 & 4400-4408. 4316-4319 are ex-BHP.
• Norfolk Southern Railway
  • 80 SD70 units, numbered 2501–2580.[40] Units 2557–2580 are ex-Conrail units, but built to NS specifications. 52 units have been rebuilt as SD70ACCs, and all remaining units were retired in 2020 and sold to Progress Rail (PRLX).
  • 68 SD70M units, numbered 2581–2648, all retired in 2020 and sold to Progress Rail (PRLX).[40]
  • 3 SD70M units, numbered 2797-2799. Units are ex-New York, Susquehanna & Western 4050, 4052, 4054. Acquired in September 2014, retired in 2020 and sold to Progress Rail (PRLX).
  • 130 SD70M-2 units, numbered 2649–2778, all retired in 2020.[40]
  • 175 SD70ACe units, numbered 1000–1174.[40] 1065-1074 painted in special historic "heritage" schemes honoring important NS predecessor roads.
  • 50 SD70ACe/SD70IAC units, numbered 1175-1224.[41] SD70IAC units are SD70ACe T4C units with IAC="Individual Axle Control" and are called SD70IAC by NS. All have now been delivered.
  • 110 SD70ACU units, numbered 7229-7339. Rebuilt from Ex-UP and Ex-CIT SD90MACs.[41]
  • 52 SD70ACC units, numbered 1800-1851. Rebuilt from ex-NS SD70s.
• Northshore Mining
  • 5 SD70ACe units, numbered 671–675. Ex. Progress Rail CSX units 4832,4833,4838,4839 and 4848.
• Providence and Worcester Railroad
  • 2 SD70M-2 units, No. 4301 and 4302. See the section for Florida East Coast.
• Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway
  • 23 SD70ACe units, numbered 501–523. Units 501-507 were built in December 2009; 508-513 were built in August 2011; and 514-523 were built in December 2012.[42]
• Tacoma Rail
  • 2 SD70ACe-P4 units, numbered 7001 & 7002. Units are ex-EMDX 1211 & 1212.[43]
• Union Pacific Railroad
  • 1,452 SD70M units, numbered 2001-2002, 3778–3984, 3986-4140, 4142-4689, 4692-5231 (Nos. 2001-2002 are ex 4690-4691, 3778 is ex 4141, renumbered for SD70ACe 4141, and No. 3985 is occupied by steam locomotive 3985).[44] Unit 4014, along with 4884, was given the honor of escorting UP's 4-8-8-4 Big Boy move to Cheyenne for restoration, and eventual return to the active roster. To avoid confusion, the "Big Boy" was renumbered UPP 4014;[45] the SD70M has since been renumbered as the UP 4479, allowing the Big Boy to be numbered as UP 4014. This SD70M was renumbered to 4479, becoming the second UP SD70M to carry the number as the first 4479 was retired after being wrecked.[46] Units 3804, 3833, 4479 (1st), 4530, 4545, 4687, 4811, 4855, 4929, 5003, 5070, and 5142 and were wrecked and retired from service. Units 3974-3984 & 3986-3999 are ex-Southern Pacific 9800-9824.
  • 518 SD70ACe units, numbered 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1996, 4141, 8309-8378, 8380-8382, 8384-8395, 8397-8422, 8424-8823.[44] The 19xx units comprise Union Pacific's "Heritage Fleet". Unit 1982 (ex-8379) wears the "Missouri Pacific Proud Heritage" livery. Unit 1983 (ex-8383) wears the "Western Pacific Proud Heritage" livery. Unit 1988 (ex-8396) wears the "Missouri-Kansas-Texas Proud Heritage" livery. Unit 1989 (ex-8521 (1st)) wears the "Denver & Rio Grande Western Proud Heritage" livery. Unit 1995 (ex-8522 (1st)) wears the "Chicago & North Western Proud Heritage" livery. Unit 1996 (ex-8523 (1st)) wears the "Southern Pacific Proud Heritage" livery; and was the locomotive to pull the "Big Boy" from its resting place at Pomona, CA. Unit 4141 (ex-8423) wears the "George Bush 41st President" livery;[44] now retired and now being prepped for permanent display at George Bush Presidential Library.[47] Numbers 8521-8523 were re-issued to subsequent new locomotives, becoming 8521 (2nd) to 8523 (2nd). 273 additional ACe units, numbered 8824-9096, were built from 2014 to 2016. Classified by UP as SD70AH's they are ballasted to 428,000 lbs. instead of the standard 420,000 lbs. 8824-8996 were built in 2014, and Tier 4 credit units 8997-9096 were built in 2016. Unit 1943 (ex-9026) painted in a special paint scheme to honor U.S. troops. Unit 1111 (ex-8362) painted in "Powered By Our People" scheme. Units 8485 and 8491 were wrecked in the 2008 Chatsworth train collision. 8315, 8542, 8692 and 8743 were also wrecked and retired.
  • 100 SD70ACe-T4 units, numbered 3000-3099. When testing on other carriers is completed, former EMDX demonstrators 1502-1505, 1601, 1602, and 1605-1610 will become UP 3000-3011. UP 3012-3099 will be the first production units of this model. EMDX 1501 will be retained by Progress Rail Services as a test bed unit. EMDX 1603 and 1604 are "P4s" destined for BNSF Railway.
• Vermont Railway
  • 2 SD70M-2 units, No. 431 and 432. See the section for Florida East Coast.
• Progress Rail Leasing (PRLX)
  • 14 SD70MAC units, numbered 9551-9564, all units are ex-Burlington Northern Railroad and later BNSF.
  • 14 SD70ACe units, numbered 4831-4850, all units are former CSX. 5 of 19 units sold to Northshore Mining.
  • 25 SD70M units, numbered 4675-4699, all units are former CSX and are also former EMDX demonstrators 7000-7024. Units are currently on lease to Union Pacific Railroad.
  • 10 SD70ACe-T4 units on order. This is the canceled NS SD70ACe-T4 order for delivery late 2019.
  • 28 SD70 units. The ex. NS 2519, 2523, 2552 and 2556–2580 units. Purchased February and April 2020.
  • 71 SD70M units. The ex. NS 2581-2648 and 2797-2799 units. Purchased March and April 2020.
• Metra
  • 15 SD70MACH units on order, with options for 27 more. Former SD70MAC freight units rebuilt by Progress Rail Services.

International

• BHP Billiton
  • 19 SD70ACe units, numbered 4324–4333 and 4347-4355. 4324-4333 were originally intended for BNSF Railway and purchased by BHP Billiton when on the production line.[19]
  • 173 SD70ACe/LCi units, numbered 4300–4323, 4334-4346 and 4356–4491[19] Some sold to MRL upon import to the U.S.
• Etihad Railway
  • 7 SD70ACS units delivered 2013
  • 38 SD70ACS units ordered Feb. 2020
• Ferrominera Orinoco
  • 6 SD70M units, numbered 1052-1057
• Fortescue Metals Group
  • 21 SD70ACe/LCi units, numbered 701-721[23]
  • 10 SD70ACe Tier 3 units, numbered 722-732
• Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée
  • Ordered 10 SD70ACS units
• Mauritania Railway
  • Ordered 6 SD70ACS units
• Saudi Railway Company
  • 25 SD70ACS units
• Southern Peru Copper Corp.
  • 2 SD70 units, numbered 60 & 61. Assembled in April 1999, these were the last standard or "spartan" cab units produced by EMD, and were built as an add-on to Illinois Central SD70's 1020-1039, even matching their specifications.
• Carajás Railroad (EFC) - Companhia Vale do Rio Doce
  • 55 SD70M[48] units, numbered 701-755, (wide gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)).
  • 27 SD70AC[48] units, numbered ??-??, (wide gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)).
• América Latina Logística, now Rumo Logística
  • 7 SD70ACe/45[48] units, numbered 618-624, (wide gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)).
• Eldorado Brasil
  • 21 SD70ACe/45[48] units, numbered 9553-9573, (wide gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)), operated by América Latina Logística.
• Valor da Logística Integrada
  • 62 SD70ACeBB[49] units, numbered 8332-8393, (narrow gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ³⁄₈ in)), operate on the lines of Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica. An additional 16 locomotives should be delivered in the first half of 2017.[50]
  • 52 SD70ACe/45 units, numbered ??-??, (wide gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)), operate on the lines of Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica and Ferrovia Norte-Sul.
• Demonstrator manufactured in Brazil
  • 3 SD70ACe units, numbered 7044-7046, (wide gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in))
  • 2 SD70ACeBB units, numbered 8795-8796, (narrow gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ³⁄₈ in))

Preservation

On November 8, 2019, Union Pacific donated SD70ACe #4141 to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.[51] The locomotive, painted in honor of George H. W. Bush, was unveiled in October 2005 and was in active service until 2009, when it was placed into storage due to the financial crisis of 2007–2010, although it was brought back to participate in Bush's funeral train on December 6, 2018.[52] It subsequently remained in active service following the funeral until its last run between November 8 and November 9, as part of the Union Pacific 4014 Southwest Tour, in which the plans for the display were unveiled. The 4141 exhibit is expected to open sometime in 2020.

Gallery

• 
  EMD SD70MAC BNSF 9819
• 
  EMD SD70ACe CSX 4845
• 
  SD70M-2 NS 2700
• 
  SD70ACe45 VLI 6518
• 
  SD70ACe BNSF 9211
• 
  SD70ACe UP 4141
• 
  EMD HTCR trucks on SD70M-2 CN 8903
• 
  HTSC trucks on SD70ACe UP 1988
• 
  HTSC trucks on SD70ACe BHPB 4352

Footnotes

1. Solomon 2011
2. Solomon 2006
3. "Order # 946531, SD70M". The UNofficial EMD Homepage. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
4. https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/05/16-diesel-no-4014-gets-new-number-ahead-of-big-boy-debut
5. "SD70M for CVRD". Electro-Motive Diesels. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved December 1, 2005.
6. "Diesel-Electric Locomotive SD70MAC" (PDF). Siemens. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 14, 2004.
7. "Locomotives Reference List" (PDF). Siemens.
8. Solomon, Brian (May 1, 2016). Field Guide to Trains: Locomotives and Rolling Stock. Voyageur Press. pp. 22–23. ISBN 978-0-7603-5126-0.
9. ElectroMotive. "SD70ACe". Retrieved January 26, 2012.
10. ElectroMotive. "SD70M-2". Retrieved January 26, 2012.
11. http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/content/Caterpillar/C10678841
12. "EMD ships first Tier 4 locomotive to Railway Interchange show". Trains Magazine. September 29, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
13. "EDM SD70ACe-T4 Freight Locomotive". www.progressrail.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
14. "EMD SD70ACe-T4 Locomotive". Progress Rail. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
15. "EMD unveils its first Tier 4 diesel locomotive". Railway Gazette. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
16. Montgomery 2009
17. "BHP Billiton Iron Ore Road Locomotive Roster". Pilbara Railway Pages. Archived from the original on January 3, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
18. Oberg 2010, pp. 435–436
19. Clark 2012, pp. 215–218
20. BHP Billiton Loco Roster Archived 8 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Pilbara Railways
21. "BHP Billiton places large heavy haul locomotive order". Railway Gazette International. 2 March 2012. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
22. Downer to build 19 locomotives for Fortescue Railway Technology 26 June 2012
23. Fortescue Rail Fact Sheet Archived 23 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine Fortescue Metals Group May 2013
24. "Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. Wins New Locomotive Contract for 25 SD70ACS Locomotives from Saudi Railway Company (SAR)". EMD. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
25. "High temperature locomotives ordered from EMD". Railway Gazette International. October 20, 2010.
26. "Etihad Rail orders EMD locomotives". Railway Gazette International. August 1, 2011.
27. "Etihad Rail orders 38 locomotives". railwaygazette.com. DVV Media International. February 27, 2020. Archived from the original on February 27, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
28. https://m.facebook.com/nsdash9/posts/10155476809143843
29. https://m.facebook.com/nsdash9/posts/10155326954688843
30. http://www.nsdash9.com/rosters/1800.html
31. http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/02/20-metra-board-approves-locomotive-purchase
32. "Alaska Railroad's Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
33. "Burlington Northern Santa Fe Motive Power Fleet". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
34. "Canadian National Motive Power Summary". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
35. Belote, Joseph; Craig, R (January 23, 2012). "CIT Rail Resources". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
36. Craig, R (January 23, 2012). "CSX Motive Power Summary". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
37. Komanesky, John (January 17, 2012). "Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
38. "Florida East Coast Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. November 16, 2008. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
39. "Kansas City Southern and KCS de Mexico (A Work-in-Progress)". The Diesel Shop. December 26, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
40. "Norfolk Southern Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. January 4, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
41. "Norfolk Southern Roster". NS Roster. April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
42. Diesel Era Magazine, October–November 2013, vol.24-5
43. http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2014/09/tacoma-rail-acquires-two-sd70ace-p4s
44. "Union Pacific Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. January 21, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
45. Union Pacific RR
46. http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/06/27-union-pacific-will-renumber-sd70-4014
47. "Union Pacific: No. 4141 locomotive to be permanently displayed at Bush Library | Local News | theeagle.com". www.theeagle.com. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
48. "3.289 locomotivas em operação". Revista Ferroviária. December 1, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2016. (subscription required)
49. "Locomotivas da FCA/VLI". Minas Gerais Railways - The Best Freight Trains in Brazil. January 2017. Retrieved January 22, 2017. (subscription required)
50. "Papel de destaque Investimentos do setor de celulose repercutem nas ferrovias - Carteira vazia". Revista Ferroviária. October 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2017. (subscription required)
51. November 8, Jim Wrinn |; 2019. "Union Pacific donates SD70ACe No. 4141 to George H.W. Bush Presidential Library; Big Boy 4014 joins celebration | Trains Magazine". TrainsMag.com. Retrieved November 8, 2019.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
52. "George H.W. Bush Funeral Train". Union Pacific Railroad. Retrieved December 2, 2018.

References

• Clark, Peter (2012). An Australian Locomotive Guide. Rosenberg Publishing. ISBN 978-1-921719-55-4.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Montgomery, Richard (October 2009). "SD70ACe – brute power". The Westland. Bassendean, WA: Rail Heritage WA (263): 24–31. ISSN 1835-6370.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s-2010s. Kenthurst: Rosenberg Publishing. ISBN 978-1-921719-01-1.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Solomon, Brian (2006). EMD Locomotives. St. Paul, Minnesota: Voyageur Press. ISBN 978-0-7603-2396-0.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Solomon, Brian (2011). Modern Diesel Power. Minneapolis, MN: Voyageur Press. ISBN 978-0-76-033943-5.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)

Further reading

• McDonnell, Greg (2015). Locomotives: The Modern Diesel and Electric Reference (2nd ed.). Richmond Hill, Ontario: Boston Mills Press. ISBN 978-1-77085-609-7.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)