SD70ACe

[Anonymous]

OK. I'll bite and begin a discussion of the cover story in the February 2004 issue of Trains.

The SD70ACe is a redesigned version of the SD70AC. As I read it, electrical systems and pipes are put in distal locations under the long hood to allow for improved maintenance. The most significant change is a new design for the cab.

All in all, I'm reminded of the changes and improvements in the Dash 2 line 30 years ago. Only time will tell whether railroads will ru***o purchase hundreds of copies of this model.

Here's a question: will similar modifications be made to the 80 series, 90 series and other locomotives in the EMD catalog?

[Anonymous]

As to orders, the proof will be in the pudding. One has to ask how many new locomotives will be needed in the next few years given some of the major orders in the recent past (i.e. UP 1,000 SD70s, NS 900+ Dash 9s, etc)

As to changes in the catalog I'm sure changes will be made if the demand is there, of course any new locomotives will need to comply with EPA regs so some work will be needed in any event. Also, there's the open question of what the rumored sale of EMD might mean in terms of the future...

LC

[zardoz]

My first thought as to the placement of wires and pipes under the frame, is how icky will it get under there after many miles of travel, running over various lifeforms and debris?


[the following is not for the easily grossed-out, nor should be read while eating.....]





There is a story on the CNW about a fatal pedestrian accident many years ago. A woman was killed at a crossing by one of the "400" passenger trains. After the accident, the coroner was trying to get a 'complete body' for autopsy, but no one could find the person's head. After a long delay, they gave up and the train proceeded. A few days later, the locomotives arrived at the 40th street service facility. As the worker was in the pit inspecting the trucks and brakes, guess what he found..................................
..........the badly decomposed head staring at him wedged somehow under the frame.

The worker was so distraught that he was unable to return to his prior duties, and was reassigned.

[dekemd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz


There is a story on the CNW about a fatal pedestrian accident many years ago. A woman was killed at a crossing by one of the "400" passenger trains. After the accident, the coroner was trying to get a 'complete body' for autopsy, but no one could find the person's head. After a long delay, they gave up and the train proceeded. A few days later, the locomotives arrived at the 40th street service facility. As the worker was in the pit inspecting the trucks and brakes, guess what he found..................................
..........the badly decomposed head staring at him wedged somehow under the frame.

The worker was so distraught that he was unable to return to his prior duties, and was reassigned.

Something like that does tend to ruin a perfectly good day.

[kenneo]

If you really are interested in the answers to most of the questions just asked above, there is already a multipage thread on this topic. "Why so few SD80 Macs" despite the name talks alot about 70's and other things "e" connected.

Just thought I'd say that. If you missed it, you may find it interesting.

[UPTRAIN]

CNW story: kinda creepy...case closed
New SD70ACe Cab....can you say....AAR CONTROL STANDS? Better than those damn desktops where you have to sit in one positon all darn day....I'm 6'2" and kinda like to stretch out once in a while [:D].

[Anonymous]

Geez. That could ruin your whole day...

LC

[Anonymous]

My additional comments:

The SD70ACe shows there isn't a lot NEW that can be done these days, but it shows it can always be done better. And having spent several years turning wrenches on locomotives, I can see that this design is a LOT better than the preceeding SD70MAC, from a maintainability and operability point of view. It's not just a different cab and some relocated piping. I was very impressed with the thought that went into it.

The cab? My opinion? Finally, someone got it right! It's a huge improvement over the desktop, which hardly anyone liked. I never had to run them for a living, but I sure had to listen to people who did.

Everything under a locomotive gets dirty. But that wiring and piping shouldn't have to be touched between major strip-down overhauls, like, once every 15 years.

As for whether these improvements will be extended to other models in the catalog: there I should have been more clear; I had assumed everyone had been reading the locomotive column Dave Lustig writes each month. So, to answer the question: There are NO other models in the catalog, and haven't been for some time. Right now, EMD makes exactly three locomotives: an SD70M, an SD70MAC, and the European export unit. When the SD70ACe goes into production, there will be that, maybe the DC version, and the export unit. That's it. Of course, like Eric said, there will be other models if demand is there, but right now there isn't any demand for them, and I know of no one who thinks there will be, either.

[Anonymous]

I think an SD70ACe is just a shortened SD90MAC. I still hope it does better than any GE diesel out there.

[Anonymous]

Mr. Hemphill, just read your excellent article on EMD's new SD-70ACe. What impressed was you addressed the long held industry beliefs and rumors on how GE surpassed EMD in sales. Also, you addressed an issue that has been out there, but it has been clouded in other issues---The SD-50. You are absolutely right,the biggest disappointment in the SD-50 was that it was not a quantatative improvement over the SD-40-2. This allowed GE, who was improving their DASH-8, to bring to market a product of equal quality with a new angle of sales presentation. This was great insight on your part on your part. On each company's atitude toward their respective divisions- you are on the money. I grew up in Detroit , and my family has been a GM stockholder for over 60 years.You had to look really hard to find any information on EMD in the GM-Detroit media.Also, I have attended annual stockholders meetings in the past and they never talked about EMD, it business or any or it's accomplishments. What really amazes me is that many people who look at GM, hold stock or apply for skilled positions don't have a clue GM builds one of best locomotives in the world. Who's fault is this? This is sad and a shame because at this very moment this division and it's people are in a position to see the fruits of their efforts pay off with a model that is the most importent since --as you said when *** Dilworth brought out the GP-7 in the late 40's early 50's . It has been a painful path the last 15 years with the closing of theLAGRANGE production , possible selling of the division at last count--3 times, GM on the verge of bankruptcy in the early 90's which greatly starved product development and the forced early retirements of many good experience people. So as you can see this over night success has come with a price. Yet through all of this----they bring to the market AC drive, safety cabs, radial trucks, deep advancements of electronics in the locomotive operations, state of the art seamless parts and supply delivery system that is tied directly with each of their customers parts and supply systems and development of the revolutionary modular design of the SD-70ACe. This overnight success was the culmination of 17 years of hard work by a great group of people. I love EMD; to me this division represents the best that GM has to offer. I really believe the current staff of people at EMD are trully dedicated to see the SD70ACe succeed; they got it right !!Now,it's time to go after it ! *** Dilworth I think would agree.

Sincerely
T-time
Winter Haven, Fl.

[kenneo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mark W. Hemphill

My additional comments:

When the SD70ACe goes into production, there will be that, maybe the DC version, and the export unit. That's it. Of course, like Eric said, there will be other models if demand is there, but right now there isn't any demand for them, and I know of no one who thinks there will be, either.

Mark, you are, unfortunately, correct. I find it a shame that there have always been so few models in any locomotive builders lines. Baldwin, if I remember, never had more than three. No, that's wrong, At one time, I think it was 5. Alco, at times had more than 3, but that was usually around model changes. Until the end of production of the F, SW and E series locomotives, there was only a GP and SD version of the same locomotive with 1 SW, 1 F (incl FP) and an E. With the advent of the 645, you had a 12 cyclinder, one 16 cylinder engine - GP and SD. And when AMTRK wants an engine they can get one but it is new sheet metal on the production locomotive with HEP added.

Ah, well. I'm glad we don't have the good old days, but some of the things we had "then" sure made life more interesting and enjoyable. Like the Dome Car. [sigh] And E's doing 105 in 79 territory with the City across Utah.

It won't happen, but I would like to see a 1200-1500 HP SW and GP without turbo (Roots only), a local service engine about 2500 HP and then the bigguns. And maybe a 70ACe or 80ACe in an E body with HEP. That would be neet. Just imagine, an E, with 2-12 cyl 710's, AC traction, putting out 6,200 or 6,300 HP? Now THAT is a mean machine!

[banghead]
[soapbox] Inserting sock.