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. BNSF Merger Scheme When the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroads announced that they would be merging, a special one-of-a-kind locomotive was released from the paint shop. This very special locomotive commemorated the merger in a unique way: the famous Santa Fe "Warbonnet" styling was painted using the attractive Burlington Northern "Executive" colors. The locomotive was a rolling "paint scheme merger!" As the only SD70MAC to ever wear a "Warbonnet" paint scheme, Kato is pleased to offer the locomotive in model form. The cream and green colors of BN combined with the well recognized warbonnet paint scheme of Santa Fe would come to be known as the one of a kind "Merger Scheme", commemorating the merger of the two railroads in 1996.