Prototype Information ?

The General Motors Locomotive Group (GMLG) Electro-Motive Division (EMD) SD70MAC is one of the most common locomotives plying the rails today. Originally introduced in late 1993 with an order for the Burlington Northern, the production now totals over 900 units, exceeding the combined production of the SD80MAC and SD90MAC locomotives by over 300 units.

Designed to be a solid locomotive to upgrade the Burlington Northern fleet, the SD70MAC has its origins in the SD60MAC design demonstrated on the BN.

At this time, the SD70MAC, in all of its versions, has been operated by six different railroads in a total of eight different paint schemes. The railroads that operate this locomotive span from East to West and from Mexico to Alaska! The locomotives are used to haul all kinds of freight, and even passenger trains (Alaska Railroad). For comparison, the SD80MAC has been operated in three paint schemes and the SD90MAC has been operated by three railroads in four paint schemes.

Model Features ?
All of these models will feature our White LED Headlight, magnetic knuckle couplers, printed and lighted number boards, MU hose detail, a powerful five-pole motor with dual brass flywheels, and a DCC-friendly mechanism. Additionally, the models will feature walkway-mounted, lighted ditch lights! Handrails will be made of a paintable material so modelers can easily add white end railings.

Featuring a new bodyshell and trucks to correctly represent this version of the SD70MAC, these models will also be equipped with all-wheel electrical pick-up and blackened metal wheels. The trucks replicate EMD's HTCR Phase I trucks.

Paint Scheme Information ?
Burlington Northern
As noted above in the Prototype History, the SD70MAC grew out of the EMD/BN SD60MAC demonstrators. The first SD70MAC was delivered to the BN in 1993 and established a standard locomotive type that remains a favorite on BNSF today. As the last new locomotives purchased by Burlington Northern, the SD70MAC has a special place in US Railroad History.

More than 500 units would be delivered to the BN in creme & green, more than twice the number of BNSF units that would wear the same color pattern. This attractive paint scheme would come to be called the "executive scheme" by railfans everywhere. Also known as the "Merger Scheme".