Spotting features for SD70M-2, SD70ACe and ES44DC's

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I was wondering if some one could help me with spotting features for some of the newer locomotives being produced. I am wondering EMD’s SD70M-2 and SD70AACe and GE’s ES44DC.

Thanks for the help.
jLester

2

SD70M-2:
http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=137712
http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=136457

SD70ACe:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=134331
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=133971

ES44DC:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=124542
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=126848 (with a dash944CW trailing)

3

why does NS have ditch lights on the rear of the loco?

4

NS has no problem with running it’s locomotives in either direction while leading a train. Consequently, they are required by law to have the proper lighting package at each end.

5

thanks for that

6

Forgive my ignorance, but what are the spotting differences between the SD70M-2 and the SD70ACe? I opened the links for each, and other than UP versus KCS versus NS paint (and NS has SD70M-2 on the cab) I don’t see any major difference. All I can find different is the big box behind the cab on the left side. The NS loco has 3 panels there, and the KCS has 2. What am I missing here?

7

I would agree with your observations. I do know that either locomotive is available with radial or non-radial versions of the HTCR truck, but I’m not sure of the visual differences, if any, between the two. And, of course, internal differences are significant…

8

This is the same practice as on CN. It allows for leading trains in both directions. Both railways use conventional control stands, which make this running easier.

CN’s ES44DC’s are an easy spot from their Dash 9’s, what with the red nose class lights and long box behind the cab, among many other things.

9

The sd70m-2 is the DC version of the sd70ace, I think the one railroad who bought it was norfolk southern since they dont like ac products. The GEVO has 2 different radiator sizes, while the dash 9 and ac4400cw only have one size.

MONONC420

10

AC versus DC, THAT actually makes sense! I don’t know why I missed that one, it seems pretty obvious now. It makes the EMD locos similar to the current GE in that the main spotting difference are the presence or lack of inverters on the left side. Thanks for the clarification.