MODERN DIESEL PROFILE

EMD SD70ACe

EMD's six-axle AC-traction road locomotive combines a 710-series diesel engine with heavy-haul pulling power.

EMD SD70ACe at a glance

BuilderElectro-Motive Diesel
Traction horsepower4,300 hp on standard published specification
Prime moverEMD 16-710G3C-T2 family
TractionAC
Axles6 powered axles
LengthAbout 74 ft 3 in
Maximum speed70 mph on standard published specification
Continuous tractive effortAbout 155,000 lbf on standard published specification

A modern EMD road locomotive

Introduced in the mid-2000s, the SD70ACe continued EMD's long line of six-axle freight locomotives while using AC traction and updated emissions technology.

What SD70ACe means

SD identifies EMD's six-axle Special Duty family, 70 places it in the SD70 series, AC identifies AC traction, and the final 'e' is associated with the emissions-era evolution of the design.

How to identify it

The SD70ACe is a large six-axle road locomotive with a wide North American safety cab and substantial rear radiator/cooling section. Details vary among production groups and railroad orders.

Heavy-haul work

Its six powered axles, AC traction and high tractive effort make the SD70ACe well suited to heavy freight, including bulk trains and demanding grades. Units can also be used in distributed-power arrangements.

Identification reminder

Locomotives are rebuilt, repainted and modified during long careers. Use several clues together—road number, trucks, hood and radiator details, cab shape and known roster history—rather than relying on paint alone.

Want to know more?

Ask Ask the Conductor about this locomotive, how it works, where it ran or how it compares with another model.

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