I’m wondering. Is CSX and BNSF are the only railroads that use SD70MACs? And also is CSX and NS the only ones using SD80MACs? I’m a railfan out of South Carolina and have seen several UP SD70Ms as run through power on a couple of CSX trains in Clinton, SC heading for either Hamlet, SC or Atlanta, GA. Can anyone give me a answer on this?
You’re right. I’ve seen plenty of NS SD70s around here. Now, I have a picture of a couple of CSX SD80MACs so CSX do have them, just don’t see them to often. But, most of the trains I see UP power around here, usually originates from areas where UP serves that city as well. I’ve seen SD70Ms on CSX trains coming from Tennessee and Atlanta, GA, and I’ve also seen them on NS 192 coming from Sheffield, AL. Thanks for the info.
The CR SD80MACs were divided between CSX and NS, in the same ratio as everything else. CSX numbers are 800-812; NS are 7200-7216.
I’m not for sure on that. I’ll have to check out a recent roster. I have seen one of the ex-Conrail 70MAC’s in CSX colors. They look pretty sharp if you ask me.
Dru
I believe the SD70MACs were ordered by Conrail right about the time the breakup was being prepared, and the NS portion of the order was changed to something else. I’m pretty sure the 80MACs are the only AC power NS has from either builder.
As part of the NS/CSX assimiliation of Conrail both railroads ordered locomotives from EMD,to be delivered in kit form for assembly at Conrail’s(now NS) Juniata shops. SD70S(conventional cab) 2557-2580 were built for NS,while SD70MACS 4130-4144 were built for CSX. While both orders of units were painted in Conrail paint,and were part of the Conrail roster,they were built to the specifications of the respective merger railroads. Essentially this was done for political and public relations reasons,the whole deal was well documented in Trains Magazine at the time.
Interestingly, there was a lot of speculation premerger that in the motive power split,CSX would wind up with all of the SD80MACs,but they wound up splitting everything 50/50,despite NS’s disdain for AC drive locomotives.
One other sidelight to this story. Conrail had originally ordered another batch of SD80MACs, but with the impending breakup, the order was changed to accomodate the desires of CSX and NS.
CSX and BNSF are the only two railroads that have the 70MAC’s. But now that I think about it. One railroad that you probably didn’t know that had them is the Alaska Railroad. I’m not for sure on how many they have but I know that they have em. As far as I know, I don’t think that CSX got any of the ex-Conrail SD80MAC’s. I believe they all went to the NS stable. (No pun intended). Anyways, on the UP units issue. I’m sure that these were either joint run trains, or it is just simply run through power. I live along the UP’s Golden State Route and I have seen several CSX units run through here only to return a few days later going the other direction. If you keep your eye out for these units, they just might do the same. The train that I saw the CSX units on was a autorack. I’m sure the UP just left them on there. But as with anything, anything’s possible. You never know with the railroads. Now UP is not the only railroad with SD70M’s, these include, (anybody can correct me if I’m wrong). NS has regular cab SD70’s. Illinois Central has regular cabs SD70’s. CN has them (I think)??? Well if anybody has any corrections for this info, Please don’t be afraid to put it down. I am here to learn also from all this. I hope that this info helps.
Keep Watchin, Dru
Ok, Maybe CSX does have some 80MAC’s I just wasn’t for sure. Glad I could help.
Later, Dru
Tell you what. Are you sure that you are seeing 80MAC’s. I have always thought that CSX never got them 80MAC’s. I will do some checking to make sure that is correct. I am not misjudging you or anything like that. I just that they all went to the NS. I have one question. Do you see very many AC6000’s down there or just regular power. LIke the AC44’s and other AC units.
Dru
Since I started railfanning here in Columbia, I’ve seen a total of 5 AC6000CWs (#693, #676, #5001, #5002, #5004). I see SD70MACs more than I see AC6000s. But, all the coal trains down here usually comes through with AC4400CWs. There were a few times that they had SD70MACs and I’ve seen 1 with a combo of SD80MAC #800 and a 70MAC. And 2 weeks ago, The Amtrak Auto Train used a 70MAC to pull the train because 1 of their Genesis ran out of gas, and the other only had 500 gals of fuel left.
Did NS get any of the 70MACs too?
Dru, The Alaska Railroad (ARRC) ha 16 SD-70MAC’s numbered as all other power by H.P. so they are 4000 to 4016. You can get more imfo at thier fantastic website at www.alaskarailroad.com Imodel the railroad on the Palmer Branch. Also go to John’s Alaska Railroad website, via ARRC website. Mike Humphrey, Wausau,WI>
Did not TFM get some 70MAC’s also? like 50 or 75?
They split stuff 60/40 except for those SD70s and SD70MACs built to NS and CSX specs respectively. (converted SD80MAC order as noted)
Rumor had it that NS was willing to “horse trade” (what else!) to keep the smaller classes together, but CSX would have none of it.
Last I heard, the NS SD80MACs were busy with coal traffic on the old Monongahela putting their radial trucks to good use on those sharp curves.
-Don