EMD SD60

Infobox Locomotive
name=EMD SD60 series
powertype=Diesel-electric
gauge=RailGauge|ussg

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caption=Soo Line 6022 pulls a train through Wisconsin Dells, WI, 20 June 2004
builder=General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD)
poweroutput=3,800 hp (2.8 MW)
aarwheels=C-C
builddate=1984 – 1995
primemover=EMD 16-710-G3A
mainalternator=AR-11
tractionmotors=D-87
totalproduction=1,138
disposition=most still in service as of 2005
The EMD SD60 was a 3,800 horsepower (2.8 MW) 6-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. Intended for heavy-duty drag freight or medium-speed freight service, it was introduced in 1984, and production of SD60 variants ran until 1995.

History and development

The development of the SD50 and SD60 series in the late 1970s and early 1980s was spurred by the introduction of 3,600 hp (2.7 MW) GE B36-7 and GE C36-7 locomotives by EMD's main competitor General Electric. In 1980, the SD50 model was added to the EMD Catalog. However, the SD50 quickly became a 'dud' in terms of sales due to poor mechanical reliability and an overly complex electrical distribution and control system that was unique to the EMD 50-Series Locomotives. EMD therefore quickly commenced development of the SD60 series, which would improve upon the weaknesses of the SD50. Although the carbody and frame are nearly indistinguishable from the earlier SD50, the SD60 featured the new 16 cylinder EMD 710-G3A prime mover, AR-11 main alternator, D-87 traction motors and a microprocessor-based control system that governed various systems within the locomotive (e.g. wheelslip & transition). Mechanically, the SD60 proved to be more reliable and fuel-efficient than the SD50, but it was not a resounding success in terms of regaining the market share that was lost due to the electrical & mechanical issues that plagued the earlier SD50 model. EMD claimed that three SD60 units could replace four SD40-2s.

Variants

Several variants of the SD60 were built, including:
* The standard SD60, which had a conventional hood unit configuration.
* The SD60F, ordered and operated by Canadian National, had a full-width cowl body and four piece windshield.
* The SD60I "WhisperCab" variant featured a cab (with a full-width short hood) that was isolated from sound and vibration using a system of rubber gaskets. The same cab was later used on the SD70I, the SD80MAC and the SD90MAC. Only Conrail ordered this engine. All of these locomotives now belong to Norfolk Southern and CSX
* The SD60M, first ordered by the Union Pacific featured a "North American safety cab" design with a full-width short hood. Early models featured a three-window design with vertical windows (nicknamed "triclops"); later production used two windshield panes that were sloped back, and a somewhat shorter nose.
* The SD60MAC was a variant of the SD60M with AC powered traction motors. Although four demonstrator SD60MAC units tested on the Burlington Northern proved the viability of EMD's AC traction system, all subsequent orders were for the SD70MAC.

Original owners

References

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* [http://www.thedieselshop.us/ The Diesel Shop Locomotive Rosters]

External links

* [http://www.krunk.org/~joeshaw/pics/ns/emd-locos/sd60.shtml A photo gallery of Norfolk Southern SD60s]