HO G2 SD70ACe with DCC & Sound, UP/MP/Heritage #1983

HO G2 SD70ACe with DCC & Sound, UP/MP/Heritage #1983 Overview

In 2005, Union Pacific began to unveil a series of heritage units, commemorating the fallen flag railroads which had been combined into the UP system. In 2017, these units were starting to look a bit shabby, and they began to be repainted. These units feature many minor art differences from the originals. The repaints are appropriate for any 2017 and up modern motive power roster, and can be found anywhere in general freight service on the UP.

In order to meet stricter diesel locomotive emissions standards imposed by EPA Tier II regulations, EMD modified the SD70MAC to create the SD70ACe and SD70M-2. Each model is powered by a 16-cylinder, 4300-horsepower diesel engine. On the SD70M-2, the prime mover drives an alternator and produces AC current that is rectified to DC current, which powers the traction motors. On the SD70ACe, the DC current is then “chopped” back into AC to power the traction motors.

Much of the external design is based on the SD90 series locomotives, specifically the SD90MAC-H PHII. Similar features include the nose shape, full height nose door and rectangular windshields, the large flared radiators with two fans, and the positioning of the dynamic brake equipment at the rear of the long hood. In addition, the inverters were moved from inside the long hood to a box on the walkway behind the fireman's side of the cab.