EMD SD90MAC
Encyclopedia
The EMD SD90MAC is a 6000 hp C-C diesel-electric hood unit
locomotive produced by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. It is, with the SD80MAC
, one of the largest single-engined locomotives produced by that company, surpassed only by the dual-engined DD series. The SD90MACs feature radial steering truck
s with AC traction motor
s and an isolated safety cab
which is mounted on shock absorbers to lessen vibrations in the cab. The SD90MAC, like the SD80MAC
, SD70ACe, and SD70M-2, has a wide radiator section, nearly the entire width of the locomotive, which along with their size makes them easy to spot.
The SD90MAC was introduced in 1995, along with the SD80MAC
locomotives. The SD90MAC was designed to utilize the new 16-cylinder H-engine
, while the SD80MAC was designed to use the 20 cylinder version of the existing 710G
engine. However, technical problems with the 6000 hp engine resulted in the first locomotives being shipped with 4300 hp 16-cylinder 710G motors, making them similar to the SD70MACs. These locomotives were given the model SD90/43MAC and railroads were given the option to re-engine them with 6000 hp engines when they became available. This upgrade program, however, was never taken advantage of by SD90MAC buyers due to reliability issues with the newer engine. Over 400 SD90/43MAC locomotives were built.
In 1996, EMD entered full production on their 6000 hp, 16-cylinder H-engine, and all SD90MACs made from then on used that for its prime mover
. Locomotives fitted with this engine are sometimes referred to as SD90MAC-H locomotives. Later versions of the SD90MAC-H feature a Phase II cab, with a new nose which offers higher visibility from the cab than the old nose. The SD90MAC-H did not prove popular with railroads and less than 70 were built, including EMD demonstrator units. Since the SD90MAC-H had such a large prime mover, it didn't offer the same operational flexibility as smaller units, limiting its possible customer base to only the largest railroads. Also, since the H-engine was a new design it hadn't reached the same level of reliability as EMD's previous engine. The low reliability on such a large engine was an especially bad combination since the loss of one engine in a train meant the loss of a larger percentage of pulling power than had a smaller engine failed. In the end the SD90MAC-H was only delivered to two railroads, the Union Pacific Railroad
and the Canadian Pacific Railway
. The Canadian Pacific locomotives were part of an earlier order for SD90/43MAC locomotives that was still in production when EMD switched over to the H-engine.
EMD also tried offering a lower-power version of the SD90MAC with a 12-cylinder engine called the SD89MAC
, but none were produced other than the prototype.
Prime mover (EMD H Engine):
Traction motors:
Performance (parenthesis indicate H-Engine equipped specifications):
Canadian Pacific
EMLX
Indiana Rail Road
CEFX
As of January 2005, the SD90MAC is no longer in production due to the Environmental Protection Agency
's Tier 2 locomotive emission regulations, although EMD may be able to get the H-engine approved at some later date. However, the People's Republic of China
recently announced an order for 300 JT56ACe
locomotives, which also use the H-Engine as its prime mover. A portion of the locomotives will be assembled in kit form by China's own Dalian Locomotive Works
. These units were reportedly capable of meeting the EPA's strict regulations and began delivery in the latter half of 2007.
Since January 2009, CPR SD90MAC-H locomotives 9300-9303 (listed as SD90MAC6000s) have been up for tender. According to https://www8.cpr.ca/enetp72/snp/Pages/ViewTender.aspx?Tender=2166 the bidding ends March 31, 2010. They are currently warehoused in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As of the end of bidding they have been sold overseas and are being shipped via Port of Montreal.
Hood unit
A hood unit, in railroad terminology, is a body style for diesel and electric locomotives. On a hood unit, the body of the locomotive is less than full-width for most of the locomotive's length, with walkways on the outside of the locomotive. In contrast, a cab unit has a full-width carbody for...
locomotive produced by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. It is, with the SD80MAC
EMD SD80MAC
The SD80MAC is a 5000 horsepower C-C diesel-electric locomotive. The SD80MAC uses a 20 cylinder version of EMD's 710G prime mover, and is the first diesel locomotive to utilize a 20 cylinder engine since the SD45/ SD45-2...
, one of the largest single-engined locomotives produced by that company, surpassed only by the dual-engined DD series. The SD90MACs feature radial steering truck
Radial steering truck
A Radial steering truck is a type of bogie used on locomotives. On railroad equipment, "trucks" are the wheel assemblies that the train rides the rails on. Trucks are found on almost all train equipment with the exception of some steam locomotives...
s with AC traction motor
Traction motor
Traction motor refers to an electric motor providing the primary rotational torque of a machine, usually for conversion into linear motion ....
s and an isolated safety cab
Cab (locomotive)
The cab, crew compartment or driver's compartment of a locomotive is the part of the locomotive housing the train driver or engineer, the fireman or driver's assistant , and the controls necessary for the locomotive's operation....
which is mounted on shock absorbers to lessen vibrations in the cab. The SD90MAC, like the SD80MAC
EMD SD80MAC
The SD80MAC is a 5000 horsepower C-C diesel-electric locomotive. The SD80MAC uses a 20 cylinder version of EMD's 710G prime mover, and is the first diesel locomotive to utilize a 20 cylinder engine since the SD45/ SD45-2...
, SD70ACe, and SD70M-2, has a wide radiator section, nearly the entire width of the locomotive, which along with their size makes them easy to spot.
History
EMD SD80MAC
The SD80MAC is a 5000 horsepower C-C diesel-electric locomotive. The SD80MAC uses a 20 cylinder version of EMD's 710G prime mover, and is the first diesel locomotive to utilize a 20 cylinder engine since the SD45/ SD45-2...
locomotives. The SD90MAC was designed to utilize the new 16-cylinder H-engine
EMD 265
EMD 265, or the H-Engine, is a line of diesel engines built by Electro-Motive Diesel for use in locomotives. Unlike EMD's previous 567, 645, and 710 lines of engines, which operate under a two-stroke cycle, the H-Engine operates as a four-stroke engine. Also distinguishing it from EMD's other...
, while the SD80MAC was designed to use the 20 cylinder version of the existing 710G
EMD 710
The EMD 710 is a line of diesel engines built by Electro-Motive Diesel . The 710 series largely replaced the earlier EMD 645 series. The EMD 710 is a large two-stroke diesel engine that has a displacement per cylinder. Since its introduction, EMD has continually upgraded the 710G diesel engine...
engine. However, technical problems with the 6000 hp engine resulted in the first locomotives being shipped with 4300 hp 16-cylinder 710G motors, making them similar to the SD70MACs. These locomotives were given the model SD90/43MAC and railroads were given the option to re-engine them with 6000 hp engines when they became available. This upgrade program, however, was never taken advantage of by SD90MAC buyers due to reliability issues with the newer engine. Over 400 SD90/43MAC locomotives were built.
In 1996, EMD entered full production on their 6000 hp, 16-cylinder H-engine, and all SD90MACs made from then on used that for its prime mover
Prime mover (locomotive)
In engineering, a prime mover is an engine that converts fuel to useful work. In locomotives, the prime mover is thus the source of power for its propulsion. The term is generally used when discussing any locomotive powered by an internal combustion engine...
. Locomotives fitted with this engine are sometimes referred to as SD90MAC-H locomotives. Later versions of the SD90MAC-H feature a Phase II cab, with a new nose which offers higher visibility from the cab than the old nose. The SD90MAC-H did not prove popular with railroads and less than 70 were built, including EMD demonstrator units. Since the SD90MAC-H had such a large prime mover, it didn't offer the same operational flexibility as smaller units, limiting its possible customer base to only the largest railroads. Also, since the H-engine was a new design it hadn't reached the same level of reliability as EMD's previous engine. The low reliability on such a large engine was an especially bad combination since the loss of one engine in a train meant the loss of a larger percentage of pulling power than had a smaller engine failed. In the end the SD90MAC-H was only delivered to two railroads, the Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
and the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
. The Canadian Pacific locomotives were part of an earlier order for SD90/43MAC locomotives that was still in production when EMD switched over to the H-engine.
EMD also tried offering a lower-power version of the SD90MAC with a 12-cylinder engine called the SD89MAC
EMD SD89MAC
The EMD SD89MAC is a 4,500 horsepower C-C diesel-electric locomotive produced by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. Along with the SD80MAC and SD90MAC, the SD89MAC is one of the largest single-engine locomotives produced by EMD, surpassed only by the dual-engined DD series...
, but none were produced other than the prototype.
Specifications
Prime mover (EMD 710):- EMD V16V16 engineA V16 engine is a V engine with 16 cylinders. Engines of this number of cylinders are uncommon in automotive use.A V16 engine is perfectly balanced regardless of the V angle without requiring counter-rotating balancing shafts which are necessary to balance Straight-4 and odd number of cylinder...
710G3BEMD 710The EMD 710 is a line of diesel engines built by Electro-Motive Diesel . The 710 series largely replaced the earlier EMD 645 series. The EMD 710 is a large two-stroke diesel engine that has a displacement per cylinder. Since its introduction, EMD has continually upgraded the 710G diesel engine... - Power Output - 4,300 hp/3,210 kW
- Idle - 200 rpm
- Full Speed - 950 rpm
Prime mover (EMD H Engine):
- EMD V16V16 engineA V16 engine is a V engine with 16 cylinders. Engines of this number of cylinders are uncommon in automotive use.A V16 engine is perfectly balanced regardless of the V angle without requiring counter-rotating balancing shafts which are necessary to balance Straight-4 and odd number of cylinder...
EMD GM16V265EMD 265EMD 265, or the H-Engine, is a line of diesel engines built by Electro-Motive Diesel for use in locomotives. Unlike EMD's previous 567, 645, and 710 lines of engines, which operate under a two-stroke cycle, the H-Engine operates as a four-stroke engine. Also distinguishing it from EMD's other... - Power Output - 6,000 hp/4,480 kW at 1000 rpm
- Idle - 200 rpm
- Full speed - 1000 rpm
Traction motors:
- 6 Siemens 1TB2830 AC motors mounted 3 each on 2 HTCR-2 radial self-steering trucks.
- Rated output - 855 hp/638 kW
- Gearing - 83:16
- Wheel size - 44 in (1,117.6 mm)
- Max revolutions - 3,435 rpm
- Starting torque - 16,300 N·m/12,009 lbf·ft
- Continuous torque - 12,900 N·m/9,504 lbf·ft
- Maximum voltage - 2,183 V
Performance (parenthesis indicate H-Engine equipped specifications):
- Maximum speed - 80 mph (128 km/h)
- Starting tractive effort - 185,000 lbf/820 kN (200,000 lbf/890 kN)
- Continuous tractive effort - 147,000 lbf/654 kN (165,000 lbf/734 kN)
- Braking effort - 115,000 lbf/510 kN
- Weight - 210 short tons/420000 lb (190,508.8 kg)
Fleet rosters
Union Pacific:- 8000-8308 (SD90/43MAC)
- 8500-8561 (SD90MAC-H. Fleet Retired, some after less than 5 years of service. 8500, 8523-8561 to EMLX Lease fleet, 8501-8522 renumbered 8901-8922. Retired in late 2008-2009. Sold to Metro East Industries in Alorton, IllinoisAlorton, IllinoisAlorton is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,749 at the 2000 census.Alorton was home to Cahokia Downs, an American horse racing track located on Highway 15 which hosted both Standardbred harness racing and Thoroughbred flat racing events from 1954 through...
. Scrapped mid to late 2009)
Canadian Pacific
- 9100-9160 (SD90/43MAC)
- 9300-9303 (SD90MAC-H)- Are in the process of being scrapped in Lachine, QC. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2011/mar11/mar11locoworks.htm
EMLX
- 8500, 8523-8561 (EMD Lease fleet, Former Union Pacific 8500, 8523-8561, currently stored. All units leased to Kansas City Southern in 2008 on 1 year lease. Several to the Buffalo and Pittsburgh RailroadBuffalo and Pittsburgh RailroadThe Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad is a Class II railroad operating in New York and Pennsylvania.The BPRR is owned by Genesee and Wyoming Industries. Its main line runs between Buffalo, New York and Eidenau, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh. Here, connections are made to the city center via the...
upon returning from KCS lease. All units currently stored. Five units - 8522, 8527, 8539, 8541 & 8554 - were sold to to Fortescue Metals GroupFortescue Metals GroupFortescue Metals Group is an Australian iron ore mining company. The company has holdings of more than 87,000 km² in the Pilbara region of Western Australia making it the largest tenement holder in the state. It is listed as FMG on the Australian Securities Exchange .In 2008, the group loaded...
in Australia and are being converted to SD70ACe prior to delivery.http://www.altoonaworks.info/rebuilds/fmg_sd70ace.html)
Indiana Rail Road
Indiana Rail Road
The Indiana Rail Road is a United States Class II railroad, originally operating over former Illinois Central Railroad trackage from Newton, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana, a distance of 155 miles...
- 9001-9010, 9025 (SD90/43MAC) (Long-term lease from CEFX).
CEFX
- 101-140 (SD90/43MAC) (Lease Fleet)
Current status
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
's Tier 2 locomotive emission regulations, although EMD may be able to get the H-engine approved at some later date. However, the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
recently announced an order for 300 JT56ACe
EMD JT56ACe
The China Railways HXN3 is a 6000 horsepower diesel-electric locomotive produced by Electro-Motive Diesels designed for export to China. All JT56ACe locomotives use AC traction motor technology and utilize the EMD H-Engine as their prime mover...
locomotives, which also use the H-Engine as its prime mover. A portion of the locomotives will be assembled in kit form by China's own Dalian Locomotive Works
Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company
CNR Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company , often abbreviated as DLoco, is a company located in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, producing railway locomotives, multiple units and diesel engines....
. These units were reportedly capable of meeting the EPA's strict regulations and began delivery in the latter half of 2007.
Update
On August 1, 2008 Union Pacific Railroad announced that it would be retiring 21 of the SD90MAC locomotives. According to sources common parts will be used to maintain the railroad's 710-engined SD9043MAC fleet. The 265H prime mover will be cut up or exported. The only part that is non-reusable will be the frame. These units, in the 8900 series will be removed from storage in Denver, and be sent to East St. Louis, Ill., in small batches to be dismantled.Since January 2009, CPR SD90MAC-H locomotives 9300-9303 (listed as SD90MAC6000s) have been up for tender. According to https://www8.cpr.ca/enetp72/snp/Pages/ViewTender.aspx?Tender=2166 the bidding ends March 31, 2010. They are currently warehoused in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As of the end of bidding they have been sold overseas and are being shipped via Port of Montreal.
See also
- GE AC6000CWGE AC6000CWThe AC6000CW is a diesel electric locomotive that is built by GE Transportation Systems. They are all used by major railroads in the United States, except for 8 units exported to BHP Billiton Iron Ore in Australia...
A similarly powerful locomotive built by GEGE Transportation SystemsGE Transportation, formerly known as GE Rail, is a division of General Electric. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling and energy generation industries. It is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Locomotives are assembled at the Erie plant, while engine...
that entered production soon after the SD90MAC.