Spotting features for modern locomotives?

[n2mopac]

I need some clarification on distinguishing betewen cerain modern locomotives. I know how to tell the difference between AC and DC units, and of course how to tell EMD and GE units apart. But what physical difference distinguishes an SD70MAC from an SD90MAC. I know some of these EMD AC units have flared radiators and some do not. Which ones do and which ones do not? Also, is there a distinguishing difference between GE's AC4400CW and AC6000CW? Finally, when did these units first appear in revenue service (SD70, SD70MAC, SD90MAC, AC4400CW, AC6000CW)? Finally, is there a DC version of the SD90? Thanks for your help.

Ron

[dwil89]

I will answer part of this....quick spotting difference between newer 70MAC and 90MAC is style of flared radiators...on the 70MAC, the flares extend all the way to the rear end of the long hood, on the 90MAC, the flares end before the end of the long hood, so there is a flat section toward the rear. The SD80MACS that were inherited by NS and CSX from Conrail have similar spotting fdeatures to a 90MAC. The new SD70ACe's and SD70M-2's will be distinguished from both of these with a new nose and cab window design, and radiator flares similar to an 80MAC and 90MAC, the radiators will not extend all the way to the rear like the newest SD70M's and 70MACS. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[n2mopac]

I was unaware that any of the EMD units had flared radiators that went all the way to the back of thelong hood like a GE unit. Also, don't some of these EMD units have narrow flared rediators like the SD45 had? Is there a web site where one can see pictures that show the different distinguishing features of these locomotives?

Ron

[tree68]

I've grown very fond of the stencilling just below the cab on many locomotives...[:o)]

[dwil89]

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac

I was unaware that any of the EMD units had flared radiators that went all the way to the back of thelong hood like a GE unit. Also, don't some of these EMD units have narrow flared rediators like the SD45 had? Is there a web site where one can see pictures that show the different distinguishing features of these locomotives?

Ron

Here is a link to a site with pics of NS locomotives...NS does not have 90MACS but they do have 80MACS....should help distinguish between newer EMD models http://www.nslocos.com NS has sd70's in 3 variations,...standard cab, wide cab non-flared, and widecab flared radiators. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[n2mopac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

I've grown very fond of the stencilling just below the cab on many locomotives...[:o)]

These are very nice, but hard to read on a train passing by at 60 mph.

Ron

[tree68]

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

I've grown very fond of the stencilling just below the cab on many locomotives...[:o)]

These are very nice, but hard to read on a train passing by at 60 mph.
Ron

Or from 100 yards away standing still. The ol' eyes aren't what they used to be...