EMD SD60

The EMD SD60 was a 3,800 horsepower 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. The developement of the SD50 and SD60 series in the late 1970's and early 1980's was spurred by the introduction of 3,600 horsepower GE B36-7 and GE C36-7 locomotives by EMD's main competitor General Electric. In 1980, the EMD SD50 series locomotives were introduced, but these were not a success owing to poor engine reliabilty. EMD therefore quickly commenced development of the SD60 series. Although the carbody and frame are nearly indistinguisable from the EMD SD50, the SD60 featured the new 16 cylinder EMD 710 engine. These replaced the overstressed EMD 645 engine that proved so problematic in the SD50. The SD60 was also fitted out with an upgraded traction motor, a new design of trucks, and a microprocessor-based control system. The SD60 proved to be much more reliable and fuel-efficient than the SD50, and did much to repair the damage to EMD's reputation caused by the unreliable SD50.

References

• TrainWeb.com. The Unofficial EMD homepage.