So, ya seen these new EMDs?

[TLOC]

Mike, you hit it on the head.

Tom

[Maletrain]

I guess steam locomotives probably look ugly to today's affectionados of diesel designs.  But, to me, the aesthetic quality of diesel locomotives has been going down hill since the first "covered wagon" designs were introduced with the streamlined passenger trains.

Things are so different between today and the period I model (early 1950s) that I rarely bother to look at real trains these days.  But, to each his own hobby.

[cv_acr]

They look like an sd90mac with a filled in mid section. I wonder if they classified as an sd70 since the 90 was no good for those who purchased it. This has a 4 cycle 1010 engine to achieve the tier 4 cert.

Still ~4300HP though right?

SD70 series = 4300HP
SD80 series = 5000HP
SD90 series = supposed to be 6000HP, except for all those 4300HP "convertible/upgradeable" units (SD90/43MAC) which are basically SD70MAC in SD90MAC bodies.

[Lenny53]

Still ~4300HP though right?

SD70 series = 4300HP
SD80 series = 5000HP
SD90 series = supposed to be 6000HP, except for all those 4300HP "convertible/upgradeable" units (SD90/43MAC) which are basically SD70MAC in SD90MAC bodies.

The original SD70s were 4,00hp.  Why they reused the SD70 model number instead of SD75 has never made sense to me.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Other than a taller mid section they don't look much different than any other recent EMD.

That wouldn't be so bad, but I think it's the manufacturer confused cabs that are an issue. I personally liked the "bunker look" on the SD70M-2.

[C855B]

IMO, and I think that NS photo sort of proves it, the "new" (bad) aesthetic is mostly the result of the bulked-up middle. Ponder for a moment what else is it that we guys prefer to be big-little-big. 

[davefoxx]

Just curious, do railroaders bang their heads or shoulders on those exposed radiator wings, if they're not careful?

DFF

[k27463]

What's with those trucks?   

My understanding (friends with a few actual railroaders and industry people) is that it was cheaper to go back to fabricated trucks than continue with castings.  It's mechanically and functionally the same, just not a single giant casting anymore.

[Chris333]

Well I thought those SD70M-2 looked pretty good... you know for a diesel.

I guess side by side I see the nose is different, but the tall center of the nose is what made me think they were the same.

[C855B]

... cheaper to go back to fabricated trucks than continue with castings.  It's mechanically and functionally the same, just not a single giant casting anymore.

Agree on "cheaper", disagree on function. There are extreme stresses in a locomotive bogie, which is why everybody went with one-piece castings in the first place. I can all but guarantee they will have issues at the join points over the long term.

And function or no, they're still f'ugly.   

[davefoxx]

Of the "modern" EMD locomotives, my personal preference would be towards the SD70M with its clean lines, no radiator flares, and a nose and cab windows reminiscent of an F45.



DFF

[Steveruger45]

Just curious, do railroaders bang their heads or shoulders on those exposed radiator wings, if they're not careful?

DFF

Depends how tall they are 😀

[Steveruger45]

Of the "modern" EMD locomotives, my personal preference would be towards the SD70M with its clean lines, no radiator flares, and a nose and cab windows reminiscent of an F45.



DFF

Me too.  Hoping scale trains will do one in n scale in SP. 

[narrowminded]

Agree on "cheaper", disagree on function. There are extreme stresses in a locomotive bogie, which is why everybody went with one-piece castings in the first place. I can all but guarantee they will have issues at the join points over the long term.

And function or no, they're still f'ugly.   

With modern robotic welding equipment and knowledge a very good part can be fabricated, possibly a better part than a casting and with reliably consistent quality.  And I could imagine it being more cost effective than large castings that require a large pattern, large mold, and a large melt to produce, with plenty of opportunity for production flaws that might require a do-over.  As always, either method, the devil will be in the details.   And yes, they aren't train sexy at all.

[CBQ Fan]

CBQ Fan:  I also agree that "they all look the same".  They're impressive enough on a passing train, but I haven't tried to keep up with identifying them.  Not seeing trains regularly from 1985 to 2012 didn't help! 

Where I lived, and worked, the only trains I saw, unless I went looking for one, was the CSX local to Kentucky Electric Steel, and that didn't get the modern power.  Not being a fan of CSX, or Chessie, or NW/NS, AND working nights, I didn't make much effort to watch trains.

I agree it is impressive to watch them pass by a crossing by they just lack the character of diesels of the 50’s & 60’s, and even into the 70’s.