A Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western coal train arrives at Washburn, North Dakota, on August 28, 2018. DMVW EMD SD50F Nos. 5454 and 5418 power the train of DMVX hoppers specially-equipped with covers that protect the very fine and dry lignite coal hauled from exposure to wind and moisture.
The EMD SD (special duty) series are a strong and reliable kind of locomotive which still serve America's rails today. They have proved themselves reliable by clocking in several million miles of freight service over several decades.
Freight Cowls are standard locomotives that have a hood that extends the full width of the locomotive. Sadly, most Freight Cowls have been retired, but a few still run on short lines.