Union Pacific Shows How to Haul a Freighter

 

If you have been ever inclined to protest because a Kiwi Rail freighter held you up then spare a thought if you were waiting for these true freighters to clear a level crossing

 

Union Pacific SD70 (their main locomotives) hauling a long train through a work area (you can hear the maintainers talking to the driver)

And that was just one SD70

 

Now for some multiple SD70 hauled freight

Just don’t have the volume too high when the train blasts by

 

And for our serious train fans here is a selection of Union Pacific locomotives of different classes in LA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N6UMn_kfCo

 

Some quick stats on the SD70 that Union Pacific uses:

SD70ACe

The SD70ACes are similar to the SD70MAC; however, the model has been upgraded to meet Tier-2 EPA regulations. Production commenced in 2004.^[1] SD70ACes are equipped with EMD’s 16-710G3C-T2 prime mover, rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW).^[8] They are rated at 157,000 lbf (700 kN) continuous tractive effort (191,000 lbf (850 kN) starting). Braking effort is rated at 106,000 lbf (470 kN).^[8]

Although mechanically similar to earlier SD70 units, the SD70ACe rides on a new underframe and uses mostly new sheetmetal above the frame. Electrical cables and air lines have been routed beneath the walkways on opposite sides, allowing for easy access by maintenance workers. The radiator on the locomotive is nearly as wide as the cab, the center hood section is a step down below the roofline, and the dynamic brakes have been moved to the rear of the hood; these changes are reminiscent of the SD80 and SD90 series. The SD70ACe uses the cab design of late-model SD90MAC units, which uses rectangular window glass and is externally different from the two cab variations used on earlier SD70M and SD70MAC units. In 2008, EMD standardized the isolated cab on subsequent SD70ACe’s after non-isolated cab units were restricted from leading on BNSF Railway due to excessive cab vibration. SD70ACe models are rated at 4,300 horsepower (3,200 kW). As of late, more than 1350 examples of this model locomotive have been produced. Purchasers include BNSF Railway, CSX, Ferromex, Kansas City Southern Railway, Montana RailLink, CVG Ferrominera Orinoco, Union Pacific,Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, BHP Billiton, Arkansas & Missouri Railway, and Norfolk Southern.

In January 2012, BNSF Railway announced the order of 10 SD70ACe-P4 locomotives. This engine would compete with GE’s popular ES44C4. These units will have a B1-1B wheel arrangement, unlike the ES44C4’s A1A wheel arrangement. They are set for 2013 delivery.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SD70

 

As a comparison a EMD SD70 has 4,300 horse power behind it while our DL’s have a horse power rating of 3,600.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_DL_class_locomotive

 

DL’s hauling freight

 

So next time you are stuck at a level crossing waiting for a freighter to pass by, remember you are not waiting for a long Union Pacific freighter to go through 😉