HO EMD SD89MAC Locomotive, EMDX #92

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

EMD has built many well known and iconic locomotives like the GP7 and SD40-2. Through its history EMD has also designed many models that never left the drafting board with notable examples being the SD30, GP50T, and DD40A. There have also been rare models that were built and tested, but resulted in barely, if any orders like the SD45X, SD60MAC, and this model, the SD89MAC. While ultimately unsuccessful in sales, these models did advance technology. The SD45X was a test bed of the Dash 2 electronics. The SD60MAC refined alternating current used in the popular SD70MAC. The SD89MAC was EMDs planned replacement for aging SD70s and the technology contained within evolved into the SD70ACe-T4.

EMD historical will subtract one digit from a model number to represent a 12-cylinder version of that model. While SD90MAC-H was built in the quest for a 6000hp locomotive with the twin turbo 16-cylinder 265H motor, the SD89MAC is the 12-cylinder, 4500hp version of that locomotive. By the time that EMD solved the early issues with the four stroke 265H motor, railroads had lost interest in high horsepower locomotives. The more fuel efficient 12 cylinder with the addition of a third turbocharger, being re-named instead of the 265mm cylinder bore to the 1,010 cubic inch displacement, became the 1010J motor used in today’s Tier-4 locomotives.

Being built from many of the same components and configurations as an SD90MAC, only a few modifications were required for Athearn to accurately depict this unique locomotive and join the stable of SD90 derivatives Athearn is already offering. While the single example of the SD89MAC still exists today, it no longer has the same appearance as it has served as a test bed for additional technologies.

SD89MAC SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE