Notable Preservation Candidates: EMD SD-60MAC's 9500-9503

NH0401 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:33 pm

These were the first AC traction motor equipped units built for a railroad customer, although EMD had one or two test units that predate them. Built in 1992 for BN, the units were re-acquired by EMD in 1998.

Currently, they reside at the TTC site in Colorado. One or more may have already been retired and/or modified.

Per a knowlegable insider:

Quote:

The SD60MAC's are oddballs. the traction motor pinions and corresponding bull gears, inverters, and control system is totally unique to these "prototypes". Siemens no longer supports them and parts are impossible to find. They are tired units to start with after getting their pants run off all over the country. They have never been overhauled. they have governors, not EMDEC so they are not "up to date" on emission and not suitable for new engine component testing. In short....they are worn out and obsolete

Just an FYI...

KevinO · **Joined:** Thu Oct 21, 2004 2:59 pm **Posts:** 114

Along the same line of AC prototypes, the two former Amtrak F69PH-ACs are still sitting at National Railway Equipment. From what I have gathered from photo captions online they were apparently acquired by NRE sometime around 1999 and have been allegedly used for prime mover test beds. However, even in their current state they represent a significant milestone in the evolution of modern passenger power in the U.S. With their "cab forward" blunt nose styling along with the higher horsepower and AC traction these truly were pioneer units that racked up a good deal of revenue miles in service with Amtrak. In addition their last road assignment involved hauling the German ICE trainset around the country to promote high speed rail which in the past few years has really become quite the buzz in some parts of the country.

Would there be any possible chance to save one or both of these unique units while they are still intact? Where could they go? I guess the real question here is where do they have the most relevence and if preserved could they be displayed/opereated/interpreted in their proper context.

Just some more food for thought as we try to determine the next class of graduates worthy of preservation.

Regards,
Kevin O