Recently spotted a new UP SD70AH numbered 9004. My understanding was the last batch of SD70ACe/AH units built for UP ended with 8996 as the 710 prime mover couldn’t achieve Tier 4 requirements. Now some newer ones were built in Mexico but they were to be used in Mexico only. Question is, where are these 9000-9xxx units being built?
One interesting side note. Clearly stenciled on this unit above the fuel tank was the following: Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSO) Fuel Only. Are the Class 1 railroads switching over to ULSO or are they required to stock both the new and old fuels to support the different fuel requirements and does the ULSO change anything to the emmisions requirements?
UP is recieving Tier IV credit units from Bombardier’s plant in Sahagun, MX. Numbers 8997-9061 are confirmed, 9062-9097 are possibilities. They are able to run in the US.
Here is one in action. Kudos to the photographer, Zach Pumphrey, for a great shot. The photo conveys speed, which is tough to do with a Tier 3 locomotive running with a clean stack.