Favorite modern Diesel

[ATSFCLIFF]

I would choose the SD90MAC as my first choice and the GE C44-9W as my next favorite.

Cliff

[Anonymous]

I gotta say, it's the SD90MAC (of course in UP yellow and grey and red)
TrainsRMe

[gvdobler]

I was at a location in Las Vegas at 2:30 in the morning, where the UP track runs along the lot line of the parking lot I was in. I am amazed at how quiet the new diesels are.
I was standing maybe 100' from the tracks and having a conversation, we did not have to talk louder as the train passed with, I believe 3 locos, and I did not notice what they were. The train was traveling about 25 mph in town.

Jon - Las Vegas

[METRO]

Personally I don't like most "modern" diesels. In my oppinion they lack the style and character of the first-generation models (especially the Alcos) in favor of brute utility and functionality. So much for industrial design. LOL but that's pretty much exactly what was said by steam fans when diesels first came into use haha.

That being said, I like the SD40-2 most out of all those on the list, it may not be the most modern locomotive out there, but it is still the backbone of freight hauling in North America. I also like the newest passenger power a lot, the F-59PHI and DE-30 are beautiful locomotives that have finally broken the hard boxy look of the F-40s that dominated commuter rail for years.

~METRO

[Anonymous]

The SD-90

[Sunset Limited]

Most modern that I like is SP SD-40T2 long nose'Snout' and SD-40-2. (These are not modern diesels, but the era that I model these would be considered modern)

[douginut]

LRC. Bombardier.

[hubbabubba2]

I like the C40-9W.

It's big and impressive, especially with that big cab up front. Even though it's not the only diesel with those characteristics, what I think really gives it the edge over the others is the big rear radiators. They give the whole engine a nice balance.

[trolleyboy]

I have to say that most modern deisels do little for me I'm a pre 1970 deisel kind of guy,but if I have to pick a newer one the SD75I would be my choice.IMHO the best modern deisel in my definition would be the M636's theses were the last of the real deisels 251's or nothin. Rob

[BentnoseWillie]

Y'know...it occurred to me last night. We were talking about the SD60 as part of the 645-powered line. DUH! The 60 series have 710 prime movers - that's why they were developed, as a platform for the new PM.

So much for the 645 being "modern" - that places the end of its development cycle 20 years ago.

Someone musta slipped me some decaf yesterday...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

[:0] I'm suprised the SD40-2 is such a favorite. I thought most people would go for the Dash 9 or 90Mac.

Everyone loves the SD40-2, Aggro.[;)]

[AggroJones]

[:0] I'm suprised the SD40-2 is such a favorite. I thought most people would go for the Dash 9 or 90Mac.

[Anonymous]

SD40-2 , Preferably in the SOO LINE Hockey Stick paint scheme.

[ShaunCN]

I voted for SD40-2 but i like anything EMD. the GP40-2w is also cool.

[AntonioFP45]

BentnoseWillie,

The guys I talk to are from CSX, one of them a manager. But in thinking about it, I still see a lot of CSX SD40-2s running into and out of Florida. So I'm willing to guess that to many CSX crews, these older units are still part of the norm for them. CSX does tend to hold on to older units longer as did it's two main predecessor roads, SCL and Chessie System. I've seen many nice internet photos of CN Road locomotives and nearly all of the shots that I've seen feature post 1990 units and younger. I find myself more inclined to agree with your view, but again this topic is quite debatable.

Thanks a lot for making us (and me too) think! [:)][8D][tup]

[ClinchValleySD40]

As it should be, SD40-2 runaway favorite.

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45
However, in my many conversations with railfans and yes prototyype railroaders, the GP/ SD 40-2, 45-2, 50, 60 are considered modern by based only on the fact that they all use the EMD 645 series diesel engine, even though the 645 itself has undergone many improvements since then.

Interesting. I'd have thought that the 710 or even the H engine would be considered the current prime mover and therefore the determinant of "modern" designs. By that definition, the modern diesel begins with the GP40!

The CN crews I talk to certainly wouldn't call an SD40-2 "modern", though an SD50 or SD60 might be. 20 years past build date does not "modern" make.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello BentnoseWillie,

You're may indeed be correct as there have been many changes. [;)][:)]

However, in my many conversations with railfans and yes prototyype railroaders, the GP/ SD 38-2, 40-2, 45-2, 50, 60 are considered modern based only on the fact that they all use the EMD 645 series diesel engine, even though the 645 itself has undergone many improvements since then. Of course, we now have the EMD 710 series diesel, though it apparently is still going through some "teething problems".

I was looking through an Automotive Collision repair textbook published 2001. Modern cars and trucks are described as post 1981. I scratch my head and point out that cars from then and now have been radically altered.

Perhaps it just depends on who is doing the classifying: manufacturers, government, industry, railfans, the public, etc. Makes for some good debates![swg]

[BentnoseWillie]

I love those SD70's and SD75's.

I don't think the SD40-2 qualifies as modern, since no new ones have been built in 15 years - and those had a one-off full-cowl carbody.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Orsonroy, [;)]

[:)][^]I hear ya! I'm a big E-unit fan, but Dougal did specify "modern diesels".

I used to consider the standard EMD cab as too plain. After a few years, however, these units', "Rough and Ready" appearance grew on me, especially after having seen four and five unit lash ups of turbocharged six axle EMDs and GEs "screaming by" with intermodals at speed. Give it a chance, IMHO, today's units equipped with the newer "Safety Cabs" really add a classy profile to modern locomotives, from the GP60M onward. [:D][:p][8D]

Just my thoughts![2c]

[orsonroy]

How about none of the above? I think every engine built after the GP-30 is ugly.

For overall styling, my favorites are a toss-up between the E-6 and the PA-1.

[Anonymous]

AC6000 and nothing less :)

[AntonioFP45]

Good Question,[;)]

Modern diesels could be considered by most of us as the -2 or 2nd generation EMD (post 1972) until present day.

The significance of this:
EMD switched from DC generators to AC alternators on the 645 series locomotives. GE also made significant locomotive upgrades to the U-Boat line in the early 70s. The U33 and 36 series were introduced.

[swg]SD40-2 hands down. For years as tough, rugged and reliable like a Chevy or Ford pickup. Many of these are still in service.

[Anonymous]

To everyone that reads this...

In your option, what classifies a diesel to be a "modern diesel"?

[GDRMCo]

Mine would have to be the HDE80ACEDP or the Heavy Duty Electric 80 Series AC powered Enviromental Distributed Power locomtives from the GDRM&MCo. They are known as the Super Centipede with a hp rating of over 25000. These look like a power station on rails and they are quiet as.

[rf16a]

The SD40-2, in Conrail blue.

[Anonymous]

I think the blue one is quite attractive.

[CP5415]

AC4400's here

Gordon

[Roadtrp]

I voted for the SD80/90 MAC for their brawny good looks. They look powerful as the devil just standing still.