Nice roster shots, those locos are monsters.
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Seems like yesterday when I read about these units being introduced by EMD. Alas, it's been almost two decades! They turned out to be not-so-dependable, never were able to consistently make the rated upper horsepower that was advertised, and were all around not the epitome of a success story that EMD hoped for. Many, if not all, were eventually de-rated, and now are being cut up for scrap. It's really kind of sad, when you think about it!. At least the styling lives on, in the SD70-ACe (A fantastic locomotive according to mot train crews I know).
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| Posted by Mike on July 16, 2014 | |
I don't recall a single one being de-rated. I got to run these for a couple of years-their last couple of years, and they were all 6,000 HP. EMLX 8523 was one of them. The 265H engine was a reliable performer. However, it was designed to run with antifreeze, and that was a fatal error. Overheating was very common in the summer during hot temperatures. The software and electrical systems were the other nail in the coffin for these beasts.
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I remember seeing those guys come through Houston in the late 90's and early 00's. Hard to believe they are all out of service now. If that 265H engine was developed this concept could still prove out.
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| Posted by Snowy on July 17, 2014 | |
Dependable or not.... Drool factor 10.
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Thank you for sharing one of my uncle's photos. He does some incredible work!
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As I've stated before - Union Pacific has consistently been the "testing ground" of the railroad industry. They've never been afraid to try anything new - with a few exceptions, the Baldwin Cab Forward comes to mind - but have always embraced with enthusiasm the opportunity to try something new. Too bad for EMD that they weren't able to have a success with this model. The SD90MAC-H was a great idea. Although so was the Gas-Electric-Turbine - which was also an eventual disappointment. But Union Pacific still gave them a try.
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That small, logo though.
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Weren't these 4 Stroke Powerplants ?
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So, this is where the SD70ACe came from. Thanks for sharing Roger.
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