Favorite modern Diesel

[Anonymous]

Mine is a SD40-2 SD60M or a SD60I (a SD60M with a couple of small differences). I chose SD40-2.

[brothaslide]

I like the newer SD70M with the wide radiators - a very impressivelocomotive.

[Anonymous]

SD80MAC!

[Anonymous]

sd40-2.

[AggroJones]

I voted for the SD40-2. Although some people may not concider it modern.

[Anonymous]

I like the SD80MAC best of all! The SD50s are cool too.

[Anonymous]

Actually, I favor 6 the PA, FA, ERIE BUILT, E-series, DL-109, and DR6-4-1500

[Anonymous]

Emerald, not to be mean, but isn't this topic about modern diesels?

Just a comment,
Jonathon

[Anonymous]

[(-D][(-D][(-D]Ya! 1938 to 1958, thats modern, [:D][:D][:D]You know, "The Modern Streamlined Era", Although if I had to make a more resent choice, weeeeelllllllll, maybe the UP Turbines. You gotta remember, I'm 58 so modern to me is anything from 1938 on, some really great loco's.[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]

[Roadtrp]

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

[CP5415]

AC4400's here

Gordon

[Anonymous]

I think the blue one is quite attractive.

[rf16a]

The SD40-2, in Conrail blue.

[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.

[Anonymous]

To everyone that reads this...

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

[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]

AC6000 and nothing less :)

[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.

[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]

[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 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]

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.

[ClinchValleySD40]

As it should be, SD40-2 runaway favorite.

[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]

[ShaunCN]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[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]

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.[;)]

[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...

[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