EMD SD50
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| Type and origin | |
|---|---|
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Builder |
GM Electro-Motive Division (EMD) General Motors Diesel (GMD) Clyde Engineering |
| Build date | December 1980 – July 1987 |
| Total produced | 427 |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Length | 71 ft 2 in (21.69 m) over the coupler |
| Prime mover | EMD 16-645F3B |
| Engine type | V16 diesel |
| Alternator | main : AR11 |
| Cylinders | 16 |
| Performance figures | |
|---|---|
| Power output | 3,500 hp (2,610 kW) at 950 rpm; increased to 3,600 hp (2,685 kW) November 1984. |
| Career | |
|---|---|
| Operators | See Original buyers and Current owners |
| Disposition | Many in service, many sold to regionals, dealers, or leasing companies as of 2008 |
The EMD SD50 is a 3,500-horsepower (2,610 kW) diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. It was introduced in May 1981 as part of EMD's "50 Series", but prototype SD50S locomotives were built from 1980; production ceased in January 1986. The SD50 was in many respects a transitional model between EMD's Dash 2 series which was produced throughout the 1970s and the microprocessor-equipped SD60 and SD70 locomotives.
The SD50 was produced in response to increasingly tough competition from GE Transportation Systems, whose Dash 7 line was proving quite successful with railroads. While EMD's SD40-2 was a reliable and trusted product, GE's line included locomotives up to 3,600 hp (2,685 kW) with more modern technology, as well as very competitive finance and maintenance deals. EMD responded throughout the SD50 program by offering discounts on large orders.
GM-EMD had previously produced 3,600 hp (2,685 kW) locomotives, the SD45 and later SD45-2, but these used huge, 20-cylinder engines with high fuel consumption, and had reliability problems when first introduced. Demand for the 45 series dropped sharply after the 1970s fuel crises. The SD50 used an updated version of the V16 645 used in the SD40-2, uprated to 3,500 hp (2,600 kW)- and later 3,600 hp (2,685 kW) - at 950 rpm from 3,000 hp (2,240 kW) at 900 rpm. This proved to be a step too far; the 50 series models were plagued by engine and electrical system problems which harmed both sales and the reputation of EMD.
The subsequent SD60 model replaced the overstressed 950 rpm 645F engine with a new engine series, the 900 rpm 710G.
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