The SD70ACe is Electro-Motive Diesel's hope for the future. While designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's Tier-2 emissions requirements that took effect on January 1, 2005, this replacement for the SD70MAC also has a higher purpose: to recapture the lead in North American locomotive sales that EMD lost to General Electric in 1987.

Under the hood beats a third-generation model 710 diesel with 4300 horsepower; only slight modifications were needed to make the existing model 710 meet new emission standards. With 5000 such motors in service worldwide and a reputation for dependability, EMD reasoned that shop crews would prefer familiar technology.

Other than the prime mover, however, virtually every element of the SD70ACe has been re-thought to create a 21st century locomotive. Ergonomics were a prime consideration. The engine's angular nose offers the crew far better visibility than most other locomotives, and the cab is comfortable for engineers of almost any size. Digital screens provide a range of information on what is happening both inside the locomotive and out on the road. The cab easily accommodates a crew of three- an important factor in a modern world without cabooses. And there is, of course, a cupholder for the engineer.

This set consists of:

381-1768405 - Union Pacific #1989 (Denver & Rio Grande Western Heritage Scheme)
381-1768406 - Union Pacific #1996 (Southern Pacific Heritage Scheme)
381-1768407 - Union Pacific #1995 (Chicago & Northwestern Heritage Scheme)
381-1768408 - Union Pacific #1982 (Missouri Pacific Heritage Scheme)
381-1768409 - Union Pacific #1988 (Missouri-Kansas-Texas Heritage Scheme)
381-1768410 - Union Pacific #1983 (Western Pacific Heritage Scheme)