The SD70ACe is Electro-Motive Division's hope for the future. While designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's Tier-2 emissions requirements that took effect on January 1, 2005, this replacement for the SD70MAC also seems to have a higher purpose: to recapture the lead in North American locomotive sales that EMD lost to General Electric in 1987.
Under the hood beats a third-generation model 710 diesel with 4300 horsepower; only slight modifications were needed to make the model 710 meet new emission standards. With 5000 such motors in service worldwide and a reputation for dependability, EMD reasoned that shop crews would prefer familiar technology.
Other than the prime mover, however, virtually every element of the SD70ACe has been re-thought to create a 21st century locomotive. Ergonomics were a prime consideration. The engine's angular nose offers the crew far better visibility than most other locomotives, and the cab is comfortable for engineers of almost any size. Digital screens provide a range of information on what is happening both inside the locomotive and out on the road. The cab easily accommodates a crew of three - an important factor in a modern world without cabooses. And there is, of course, a cupholder for the engineer.
New for 2008, M.T.H. offers the SD70ACe as our first RailKing Imperial diesel, accurately decorated in the six paint schemes that comprise the Union Pacific heritage fleet. Each one-of-a-kind locomotive honors a "fallen flag" railroad that is now part of the Union Pacific system. Our near-scale model is a full 17" in length, yet operates comfortably on O-31 curves. If you're looking for realism and a lot of fun at a RailKing price, it doesn't get any better than this!
