SD70ACe & SD70M-2

[AlcoRS11Nut]

Is there a difference between the SD70ACe & the SD70M-2. To me it seems like the SD70M-2 is the production model of the SD70ACe, but maybe I'm just ignorant to the differances, since I'm an ALCo nut.

[Anonymous]

Is the SD70ACe the environmentally friendly model?

Reb

[AlcoRS11Nut]

Thanks! Mr. MW Hemphill, just so you know (if you come back to this thread), I did a research paper on the SD70ACe for school and your article in TRAINS was VERY helpful. (I got 99.9% of my info from it)

[dwil89]

The SD70M-2 is in production for those Railroads that prefer DC traction over AC. GE is building a DC version of its new ES44AC and if EMD did not offer a DC variant, NS would likely go to GE before handing over more ca***o buy the SD70ACe version., although NS has been favoring GE already with its substantial purchase of Dash 9's...UP has bought over 1,000 SD70M's, so it would only serve EMD well to keep a DC version in the catalog. One thing I noticed with the SD70ACe is the gap in the frame sill under the cab that gives it an unfinished appearance. The pic I saw of a 70M-2 looked like it had a solid frame sill. Perhaps a pre-production test issue, or is there a design purpose for it? Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[AlcoRS11Nut]

Cool, thanks

[ckape]

My understanding is that the open frame sill is for easier maintenance access.

[dwil89]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ckape

My understanding is that the open frame sill is for easier maintenance access.

Here is a link to the EMD website where pictures and specs of the SD70ACe and SD70M-2 can be viewed http://www.gmemd.com Dave Williams

[dwil89]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rebel

Is the SD70ACe the environmentally friendly model?

Reb

Yes....it is the AC Variant. The SD70M-2 is the DC version. Dave Williams

[dwil89]

Norfolk Southern is ordering Tier 1 compliant Locomotives right down to the wire....After January 1, 2005, Tier 2 regulations will mandate that any new locomotive built will have to be Tier 2 compliant. NS has ordered roughly 2 dozen more SD70M's numbered from 2624-2648...They are already starting to arrive on the property in primer. NS will be receiving the last of its order for GE Dash-9's by years end. This order of 67 units is numbered from 9912-9978. Any future orders by NS would likely be EMD SD70M-2's and GE ES40DC's..continuing NS' preference for DC power. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[Anonymous]

In addition to the DC vs. AC differences, an article I read recently mentioned the SD70M is 4000hp while the SD70ACe is rated at 4300hp.

[M636C]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mishka

In addition to the DC vs. AC differences, an article I read recently mentioned the SD70M is 4000hp while the SD70ACe is rated at 4300hp.

What you say is correct!

However, the Tier II version the SD70M-2 is rated at 4300 HP and uses exactly the same version of the engine used by the SD70ACe.

Peter

[dwil89]

In reading articles on the GE ES40's and the EMD SD70ACe's and M-2's, GE is promoting the fact that they have developed an entirely new prime-mover designed for the future. It makes the same HP as the current primemover in Dash 9's and AC4400's with 4 fewer cylinders. However, EMD is advertising using a proven engine design that has shown its reliability and performance. They also state that these improvements in emissions and horsepower have been accomplished well within the tolerances of the engine design, meaning there is still room for improvement if need be...It will not be a scenario like what happened with the SD50's, where they boosted HP to 3500 HP on the 645 platform and ended up with stress and reliability issues. Apparently, they have done their homework on the Tier 2 design and are confident that it will easily stand up to the test. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[dwil89]

QUOTE: Originally posted by M636C

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mishka

In addition to the DC vs. AC differences, an article I read recently mentioned the SD70M is 4000hp while the SD70ACe is rated at 4300hp.

What you say is correct!

However, the Tier II version the SD70M-2 is rated at 4300 HP and uses exactly the same version of the engine used by the SD70ACe.

Peter

Yes, in making the 710 Primemover Tier 2 compliant, EMD raised the Horsepower rating on it also. EMD also states that this is well within the design tolorence of the 710, to eliminate any concerns about stressing . When EMD brought out the SD50, they raised the horsepower rating on the 645 prime mover to 3500, which brought on reliability issues. due to maxing out the capability of the 645 with the higher ratings... Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown