SD60

SD60
Name	SD60
Powertype	Diesel-electric
Builder	Electro-Motive Division
Builddate	1984–1995
Totalproduction	1,190
Aarwheels	C-C
Gauge	4 ft 8+1/2 in (1,435 mm)
Primemover	EMD 710 16-cylinder
Enginetype	Two-stroke diesel
Transmission	AC/DC electrification#Diesel-electric (diesel–electric)
Poweroutput	3,800 hp
Tractiveeffort	92,000 lbf (starting)
Locoweight	368,000–390,000 lb
Disposition	In service, rebuilt, preserved, retired

SD60

The SD60 is a six-axle, diesel-electric road locomotive designed and built by Electro-Motive Division (EMD) for heavy freight service across North America. Introduced in the mid-1980s, it succeeded earlier models such as EMD SD50 and incorporated the 710-series diesel engine to improve fuel efficiency and reliability while targeting mainline freight operations for railroads including Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Norfolk Southern Railway. The model spawned multiple variants, rebuild programs, and international exports that influenced fleet modernization programs for operators like CSX Transportation and Kansas City Southern.

Design and Development

EMD developed the SD60 amid competition from General Electric offerings like the GE C30-7 and GE AC4400CW as railroads sought higher horsepower and improved fuel economy after the 1970s energy crises. The SD60 incorporated the 16-cylinder EMD 710G3 prime mover, replacing the 645-series used on models such as EMD SD40-2; its electrical system featured an upgraded alternator and improved traction control derived from projects with Amtrak and Conrail. EMD emphasized modular maintenance and parts commonality with contemporaries including EMD GP50 and SD50 to lower lifecycle costs for fleets operated by Canadian National Railway and Saskatchewan Railway Museum collections. Design work referenced served testing at facilities associated with National Railway Equipment Company and research interactions with Transport Canada standards.

Technical Specifications

The core SD60 specification centers on a 3,800 horsepower rating produced by the EMD 710 series 16-cylinder two-stroke diesel, driving a main alternator that supplies DC traction motors on a C-C wheel arrangement similar to those used by Illinois Central Railroad and Southern Pacific Transportation Company. Multiple-unit control systems were compatible with Rock Island and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway practices, enabling consists of up to a dozen units in heavy coal or intermodal service for operators like Peabody Energy and CSX Transportation. Braking systems combined dynamic braking with air brakes conforming to Association of American Railroads standards; fuel capacity ranged to accommodate long-haul runs analogous to those on Transcontinental railroad routes. Dimensional and weight characteristics aligned with interchange standards observed by Federal Railroad Administration and infrastructure owners like Amtrak for route availability.

Production and Variants

EMD produced the SD60 family between 1984 and 1995, totaling 1,190 units delivered to major North American carriers, regional operators, and short lines such as Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. Key variants included the SD60M, developed for Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway with a North American-style wide cab, and the SD60F with full-width cowl bodies exemplified by Conrail and Via Rail styling influences. Rebuilt derivatives emerged later: the SD60E and SD60M rebuilds were contracted by railroad shops including Precision Scheduled Railroading-era vendors and heavy repair shops like Loram Maintenance of Way and National Railway Equipment Company for upgrades to electronics, emissions compliance, and cab ergonomics. Export and demonstrator units drew interest from operators involved in projects with Caterpillar Inc. and parts suppliers such as Wabtec Corporation.

Service History

SD60s entered service during a period of consolidation in the rail industry, seeing extensive use on unit coal trains for customers like Peabody Energy and intermodal flows serving ports such as Port of Los Angeles and Port of Vancouver. Railroads deployed SD60s in mixed freight and manifest duties across corridors including the Panhandle Route and Soo Line mainlines. The model proved durable in heavy-haul roles for Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway, but changing fuel standards and emissions regulations from agencies like Environmental Protection Agency spurred rebuild and retirement programs in the 2000s and 2010s. Notable incidents involving SD60 consists intersected with investigations by National Transportation Safety Board on routes serving Chicago rail hubs.

Operators and Liveries

Major original purchasers included Union Pacific Railroad, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, BNSF Railway, and Conrail. Each operator applied corporate liveries consistent with their branding eras: Conrail garish blue, Union Pacific Railroad yellow and gray, and Norfolk Southern Railway black and white schemes. Short line operators and leasing companies such as Genesee & Wyoming and Progressive Rail later acquired many units, often repainting into regional schemes tied to customers like Steel Dynamics or Cargill. Rebuilt SD60s received updated liveries during shop work at contractors including RailAmerica and Watco Companies.

Preservation and Disposition

As retirements proceeded, a subset of SD60s entered preservation or museum collections, with examples displayed at institutions such as the Illinois Railway Museum and regional heritage centers connected to Canadian Railway Museum holdings. Several units were sold to international operators or industrial concerns for continued service after modifications by rebuilders like National Railway Equipment Company. Others were scrapped under agreements involving salvage firms such as Schnitzer Steel Industries, while a portion were cannibalized for parts to support remaining fleets operated by short lines and regional carriers like Genesee & Wyoming. Preservation efforts continue among railway historical societies and volunteer groups dedicated to maintaining representative examples for static display and occasional excursion service.

Category:Electro-Motive Division locomotives Category:Diesel-electric locomotives of the United States