For A&M, new power from EMD
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefElectro-Motive Diesel has delivered three SD70ACe demonstrator locomotives to the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad—the first AC traction locomotives for the independent Class III carrier.
The locomotives, EMD road numbers 1201-1203, were delivered to A&M from EMD parent company Progress Rail Services’ Mayfield, Ky., facility. EMD 1201 made its debut at the MINExpo Show in Las Vegas, Nev., last September, painted in Caterpillar® yellow. Modifications at the Mayfield shop included a new, modern paint design reflecting A&M’s corporate colors, and renumbering to A&M road numbers 70-72.
The 4,300 traction horsepower SD70ACe integrates EMD’s 16-cylinder 710 engine, EM2000 microprocessor control system and AC traction. The locomotives are certified for EPA Tier 3 emissions standards, and also feature radial trucks and distributed power. EMD launched the SD70ACe in 2005 for freight applications in North America and around the world.
“We selected EMD to supply our new locomotives based on the demonstrated performance of the SD70ACe,” said A&M Chairman Reilly McCarren. “To take advantage of AC traction on our mountainous route, we determined the rugged design of the SD70ACe would allow us to maintain high fleet availability at low cost. The SD70ACe locomotive is ideal for our operations and will enable A&M to retire several older locomotives, while dramatically increasing our hauling capability and efficiency.”
“We’re excited to provide the first AC locomotives to be introduced into A&M’s fleet,” said Progress Rail and EMD CEO Billy Ainsworth. “We appreciate the confidence A&M has in EMD and look forward to providing the highest quality locomotives and services to support their operations and the lowest total cost of ownership.”
A&M operates 139 miles of line from Fort Smith, Ark., to Monett, Mo., serving businesses in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri, and interchanges with BNSF, Union Pacific, and Kansas City Southern.
