EMD SD70 series

EMD SD70 series

BNSF 9211 Lincoln, NE 10-19-2014
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD)
Model SD70, SD70M, SD70I, SD70MAC, SD70M-2, SD70ACe, SD70ACe/LCi, SD70ACS, SD70ACe-T4
Build date 1992 – current
Total produced SD70: 122
SD70M: 1,646
SD70I: 26
SD70MAC: 1,109
SD70ACe: 1,034
SD70ACe/lc: 64
SD70ACS: 25
SD70M-2: 331
Specifications
AAR wheel arr C-C (UIC: Co'Co' )
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
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)
Transmission Diesel electric
Career
Operators see article
Numbers see article

The EMD SD70 is a series of 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 4,000 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.

Prior to the SD70ACe and SD70M-2 models, all SD70 models were delivered with the self-steering HTCR radial truck.[2] The radial truck allows the axles to steer in curves which reduces wear on the wheels and railhead. With the introduction of the SD70ACe and SD70M-2 models, EMD introduced a new bolsterless non-radial HTSC truck as the standard truck for these models in an effort to reduce costs. The HTCR-4 radial truck is still an option.

Models

SD70

Norfolk Southern Railway 2561 in September 2007

The SD70 uses the smaller standard cab or spartan cab, common on older 60 Series locomotives, instead of the larger, more modern comfort cab. This makes it hard to distinguish from the nearly-identical SD60, the only difference being the use of the HTCR radial truck instead of the HT-C truck mounted under the SD60. The main spotting feature is the difference in length between the two models - the SD60's 71 feet, 2 inches vs. the SD70's 72 feet, 4 inches. The SD70 also rides higher as its frame is approximately 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) higher than the SD60's. 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 their SD70's.

Production of the standard cab at EMD's London, Ontario plant ended in 1994. The 24 Conrail SD70s were assembled from kits at Conrail's (later NS's) Juniata Shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and the IC and SPCC SD70s were assembled from kits at Super Steel Schenectady. All SD70s are still in service with Norfolk Southern and Canadian National (CN), which merged Illinois Central in 1999.

SD70M

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 I cab, which was first introduced on the SD60M, and is standard on the SD80MAC and SD90MACs, and the Phase II cab, which is a boxier design similar to the original three-piece windscreen on the SD60M, which is shared with the Phase II SD90MAC, SD89MAC, and SD80ACe. The Phase II cab has a two-piece windscreen like the Phase I 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.[3] They are capable of generating 109,000 lbf (480 kN) of continuous tractive effort.[3] 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 I environmental regulations.

Production of the SD70M ceased in late 2004 as production of the SD70M-2 model began (the EPA's Tier II regulations went into effect on 1 January 2005). 1,646 examples of the SD70M model were produced. Purchasers included CSX, New York Susquehanna & Western (NYSW; part of EMDX order no. 946531[4]), 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). This order was later extended by nearly 500 additional units (UP 3999, and below) and (UP 5000, and above).


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

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. The WhisperCab feature was incorporated into some SD70MAC and later models.

SD70MAC

Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana SD70MAC 1627 at Nueva Italia station
Conrail "White Smiley" SD-70MAC seen in Cleveland, Ohio with an autorack train

The SD70MAC (colloquially known as a "Mac" or a "70 Mac") is very similar to the SD70M and SD70I; the main difference being that the SD70MAC uses AC traction motors. Production of the model commenced in 1993.[1] AC motors, while simpler and more reliable than DC motors, require expensive inverters to generate a variable-frequency AC signal, raising the locomotive's purchase cost substantially. The majority of SD70MAC models were produced with the 4,000 horsepower (3,000 kW) EMD 710 prime mover[6] while later units are rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW) and feature EMD SD45-style flared radiators. They were also offered with a head-end power generation system for passenger trains.[7]

The SD70MAC is no longer produced due to EPA regulations and has been replaced by the SD70ACe. Over 1,500 examples of this model were produced. It was purchased by Burlington Northern Railroad (now BNSF Railway), BNSF, Conrail (units now owned by CSX), CSX, Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana (TFM; units now owned by Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS)), and the Alaska Railroad.

SD70ACe

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

The SD70ACe is the successor to the older SD70MAC. Built from 2004 to 2014 in the United States, the SD70ACe was originally designed to comply with EPA Tier 2 locomotive emissions regulations. Beginning in 2012, newly built SD70ACe's were EPA Tier 3 compliant.[1] SD70ACes are 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).[8] 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).[8]

Although mechanically similar to earlier SD70 units, the SD70ACe rides on a new underframe and uses mostly new sheet metal above the frame. Electrical cables and air lines have been routed beneath the walkways on opposite sides, allowing easier access for maintenance. Continuing the designs of the SD80 and SD90 series, the radiator on the locomotive is nearly as wide as the cab, the center hood section is a step down below the roofline, and the dynamic brakes have been moved to the rear of the hood. The SD70ACe uses the cab design of late-model SD90MAC-H units, which uses rectangular window glass and is externally different from the two cab variations used on earlier SD70M and SD70MAC units. In 2008, EMD standardized the isolated cab on subsequent SD70ACe's after non-isolated cab units were restricted from leading on BNSF Railway due to excessive cab vibration.

Purchasers included BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, CSX Transportation, Ferromex, Kansas City Southern Railway, Montana Rail Link, Norfolk Southern, CVG Ferrominera Orinoco, Union Pacific, Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, BHP Billiton, and shortline Arkansas & Missouri Railway.

Ferromex 4079 SD70ACe in León, Guanajuato

In 2012, EMD also built 4 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. Four of EMD's SD70ACe-P6 demonstrators were sold to Canadian National Railway, numbered 8100-8103, and all but one has since been repainted into the standard Canadian National scheme. #8103 is the last SD70ACe-P6 to retain the demonstrator paint.

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 1 January 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 rendering the current Tier-3 compliant EMD SD70ACe illegal to build for use in the United States. EMD has continued building Tier-3 SD70ACes for Ferromex (4100-4118) at Bombardier's Ciudad Sahagun, Mexico plant. 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). 2014 was the final year of EMD producing SD70ACe's powered by the 710 series 2-stroke engines for use in the USA.

SD70M-2

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 prime mover which is rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW).[9]

The SD70M-2 was not a big seller, as most major carriers were purchasing AC traction locomotives exclusively by the time of its introduction. Only 331 SD70M-2's were built. Canadian National Railway owns 190 units, and 130 units are owned by Norfolk Southern Railway. 8 units owned by Electro-Motive Diesel and 3 units owned by CIT Financial were leased by Florida East Coast Railway until early 2015. CN 8964, built December 2010 was the last SD70M-2, and will most likely be the last new DC traction locomotive since holdouts, CN and NS, have embraced the AC traction concept.

SD70ACe-T4

The SD70ACe-T4 is the Tier 4 emissions standards-compliant version of the SD70ACe. The first locomotive 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 - 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 bigger power throughout the broader RPM range, better fuel efficiency, and lower emission. An EGR system is applied as well, allowing the engine to achieve Tier 4 without the use of urea after treatment. Another new feature of this engine is the Double-Walled Fuel Injection System that increases safety and provides simplified maintenance works.

This new engine is capable of producing 4,600 hp (but only 4,400 hp that goes to the wheels). 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, 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.).

While it retains the basic SD70 designation, the locomotive has several major new features that set it apart from it's 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, even bringing back the old railfan - and engine crew - favorite "porkchop"/"teardrop" windshields; new trucks; a longer frame (76 ft. 8 in / 23.37 m); longer radiators with three radiator fans instead of two; and a smoother long hood roofline.[10][11][12]

SD70ACe/LCi

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 boxes lower in the body 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.[13]

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.[13] 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.[14]

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.[15][16] The first batch of SD70ACe/LCi's (4301-4313) was ordered in 2004 and named after sidings on the BHP system.[13][17] 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.[14]

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.[13][15]

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.[16] In March 2012, BHP Billiton ordered a further 80.[18]

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).[16][19][20]

SD70ACS

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

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.[21]

Mauritania's Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière placed a contract for six SD70ACS locomotives in October 2010.[22]

In July 2011 Etihad Rail ordered seven SD70ACS locomotives for delivery in 2012.[23]


SD70ACE-BB

In October 2015, EMD started producing SD70ACE-BB locomotives for Brazilian narrow gauge railroads.

Operators

North America

International

Gallery

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Solomon, Brian (2011). Modern Diesel Power. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Voyageur Press. ISBN 978-0-7603-3943-5.
  2. ↑ Most other EMD six-axle locomotives were mounted on EMD's HT-C truck
  3. 1 2 Solomon, Brian (2006). EMD Locomotives. St. Paul, Minnesota: Voyageur Press. ISBN 978-0-7603-2396-0.
  4. ↑ "Order # 946531, SD70M". The UNofficial EMD Homepage. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  5. ↑ "SD70M for CVRD". Electro-Motive Diesels. Archived from the original on 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2005-12-01.
  6. ↑ "Diesel-Electric Locomotive SD70MAC" (PDF). Siemens.
  7. ↑ "Locomotives Reference List" (PDF). Siemens.
  8. 1 2 ElectroMotive. "SD70ACe". Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  9. ↑ ElectroMotive. "SD70M-2". Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  10. ↑ "EMD ships first Tier 4 locomotive to Railway Interchange show". Trains Magazine. 29 September 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  11. ↑ "EDM SD70ACe-T4 Freight Locomotive". www.progressrail.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  12. ↑ "EMD SD70ACe-T4 Locomotive". Progress Rail. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Montgomery, Richard (October 2009). "SD70ACe – brute power". The Westland (Bassendean, WA: Rail Heritage WA) (263): 24–31. ISSN 1835-6370.
  14. 1 2 "BHP Billiton Iron Ore Road Locomotive Roster". Pilbara Railway Pages. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  15. 1 2 Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s-2010s. Kenthurst: Rosenberg Publishing. pp. 435–436. ISBN 9781921719011.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Clark, Peter (2012). An Australian Locomotive Guide. Rosenberg Publishing. pp. 215–218. ISBN 9781921719554.
  17. ↑ BHP Billiton Loco Roster Pilbara Railways
  18. ↑ "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.
  19. ↑ Downer to build 19 locomotives for Fortescue Railway Technology 26 June 2012
  20. 1 2 Fortescue Rail Fact Sheet Fortescue Metals Group May 2013
  21. ↑ "Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. Wins New Locomotive Contract for 25 SD70ACS Locomotives from Saudi Railway Company (SAR)". EMD. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  22. ↑ "High temperature locomotives ordered from EMD". Railway Gazette International. 20 October 2010.
  23. ↑ "Etihad Rail orders EMD locomotives". Railway Gazette International. 1 August 2011.
  24. ↑ "Alaska Railroad's Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  25. 1 2 "Burlington Northern Santa Fe Motive Power Fleet". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  26. 1 2 3 "Canadian National Motive Power Summary". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  27. ↑ Belote, Joseph; Craig, R (23 January 2012). "CIT Rail Resources". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  28. 1 2 3 Craig, R (23 January 2012). "CSX Motive Power Summary". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  29. ↑ Komanesky, John (17 January 2012). "Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  30. ↑ "Florida East Coast Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. 16 November 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  31. 1 2 "Kansas City Southern and KCS de Mexico (A Work-in-Progress)". The Diesel Shop. 26 December 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  32. 1 2 3 4 "Norfolk Southern Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  33. ↑ Diesel Era Magazine, October–November 2013, vol.24-5
  34. ↑ http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2014/09/tacoma-rail-acquires-two-sd70ace-p4s
  35. 1 2 3 "Union Pacific Motive Power". The Diesel Shop. 21 January 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
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