I have always found SD-9s interesting. I have a few questions about them.
(1) Did they ever make a low-nose SD-9?
(2) A new poster on here has a picture of an Illinois Terminal SD-9. Did the ITS have SD-9s? As fragile as the interurban rails of that storied line were, I would think an engine of that nature would be very hard on the tracks.
(3) I have always had the perception that for low-speed drag service that did not cover a lot of distance, the SD-9s are still one of the best. I think an Oregon Short line said something to that effect in a Trains article about 6 months ago–Tillahook or something like that. Am I dreaming this? If I am not dreaming, what is the reason? Is it kind of like an Alco road switcher–the lack of horsepower actually helping it? (I realize my ignorance in asking this question—that is why I am asking).
(4) Occasionally, I hear bits and pieces hinting that SD-9s are still in class 1 service? Is this true, and if so, where? Is there a reason they are kept around? Has anyone seen one on long-haul service? I don’t know why, but I think I would be less surprised seeing a Light Mikado pulling a manifest through downtown Indy than a trio of CSX SD-9s.
(5) I don’t know why I say this, but I feel as though SD-9s can’t go very fast. Is this true? What are the typical operating speeds of an SD-9? Is it something of an impossibility to see one on an intermodal train? I know there sister geeps could go very fast–there is a great story in trains about four years ago, how N&Ws Geeps would help cops get tickets by cars racing them. If the SD-9s’ gearing ration that much lower than the Geeps, or is there another explanation?
Good questions! I have very fond memories (and a couple of slides) of SP SD-9’s going pretty quick in .
I believe that as their weight is spread over 6 axles rather than 4, they are very well suited to poorer rail conditions, but that is just my perception. they were never used up here in despite all the prairie branches, we used other locomotives.
Considering gearing desides the speed on a locomotive a SD-9 could run as fast as any other locomotive. I know the BNSF still has a few in service and NS has rebuilt quite a few of theirs for yard work.
According to the Second Diesel Spotter’s Guide, it was the SD 18 that was available from the factory with a low nose. The SD 9 had the same HP as the GP 9, but spread over two more axles.
Prototype Information:
Electro-Motive (EMD) developed the SD-9 as a 6 axle version of their popular four axle GP-9 locomotives. Built for railroads who needed the extra traction power provided by the 2 additional axles, the SD-9 achieved respectable sales. The SD-9 found popularity among many railroads including Southern Pacific, Great Northern, Baltimore and Ohio, and Chicago & North Western. They can still be found today serving many regional railroads and shortlines and even majors like Norfolk Southern and BNSF.
I would’ve thought the opposite. The weight would be spread out over more wheels, with lower axle loading. I thought the Milwaukee Road got some SD9’s for use on branch lines for that reason.
BNSF probably has the last sizable fleet of SD9’s, several still turn up in the Chicago area. Some of them occasionally turn up in mainline service. The various US Steel roads (DMIR, EJ&E, B&LE, URR, BS) have rebuilt or retired their SD9’s.
BN for years had a single chop-nosed SD-9m that lived up on the Climax branch. The unit was chopped after a collision. DRGW had a single chop nosed SD-9 that worked the hump in Grand Junction. These were the only low nosed units on either railroad for many years.
The only handicap these units have is their age and the now non-standard 567 power plants. (seems odd still to call 567 blocks as non-standard)
I just saw BNSF #6154 in Denver this past week. It still amazes me (and delights me!) that a railroad as business oriented as the BNSF keeps these dinosaurs around. I guess it really shows just how good those old EMD’s are.
BTW, the railroad in Oregon was the Tillamook (like the cheese company). That was one of my favorite articles in Trains in the past year or so. Love the “cow” paint scheme, too!
I believe the answer that none were built with a low nose is correct. There are two that will probably live forever. the PRR purchased two for the Madison incline into Madison Indiana. 7.98% grade as I recall. They were specially ballasted and geared for the assignment. One other unique feature - they can’t mu with each other so the few times they were both used it required two crews.
2)SD-7s and 9 s are vrey easy on the track , on the MILW we used them alot on the southeer cross lines and west of Janesville on 80 lb rail ( the MILW was the first railroad to possess SD locomotives.).
lower horse power = less wheel slipping = lower speeds
One of the most impressive displays of acceleration I have ever seen was a SD9 in Rosevile yard trying to catch a strig of cars that got away from them. They were successfull.
