HO SD60M Tri-Clops Locomotive with DCC & Sound, BNSF #9235 Overview
After the 1995 BNSF merger, many units were patched to the initials of their new corporate owner. One unique unit, #9235 received a large BNSF font on the sides of the cab. Reportedly used from stencils for covered hoppers, it seems that it was the easiest thing to do to get the unit back on the road in a timely manner!
In 1984, EMD unveiled the first four SD60 demonstrator locomotives. The SD60 was equipped with a 3,800 horsepower, 16 cylinder, turbocharged 710G3A prime mover. Five years later, EMD began offering the SD60 with the wide nose âsafetyâ cab with the infamous âTri-Clopsâ 3-piece windshield, thus creating the SD60M. The term âTri-clopsâ is a popular railfan nickname that refers to the original 3-window cab design.
Union Pacific was the first road to order these new SD60M locomotives followed by Burlington Northern and SOO Line. BN's SD60M locomotives went on to the merged BNSF while the SOO Line units went to Canadian Pacific. Some of the BNSF units found more mileage with Norfolk Southern and in lease service for CEFX.