Modern Locomotive Guide

Locomotive: SD50

Manufacturer: General Motors Diesel Division

Horsepower Rating: 3,500 Hp

Prime Mover: 16 Cylinder 645F

Weight: 194 Imperial Tons

Weight Distribution: 6-axle (C-C), 32.3 Tons per axle

Length: 71'2"

Manufacture Dates: 1980-1986

Number of Units: 427

Visual Identification: The SD50, as far as it's carbody goes, is medium in difference from the SD40-2. The locomotive is slightly longer than the 40-2, with the hoods extended out and eliminating the long porches. Dynamic brake blisters were eliminated, and the dynamic brakes and their associated fans were moved to the area in front of the Prime Mover (thus the longer hood). The air intake duct (behind the conductor side of the cab) is more angular than on earlier models, and the "Q" fans were placed behind louvered-type grillwork. The locomotive uses the same blomberg-type trucks as the SD40-2.

Trivials: - Internally, the SD50 was almost the same as the SD40-2, and therein was it's downfall. The SD50 has been equated with other similar corporate failures, such as New Coke and Windows ME.

The big problem with this unit was that the same engine that was used in the predecessor locomotives, the 645, was used in the new locomoitve. GM tried jacking up the horsepower in the engine from 3,000 to 3,500 horsepower. The engine coughed up a hairball and had numerous mechanical failures.

- Since the late 40's, GM had been the king of road diesel manufacturers. Some rail experts (and fans) believe that the SD50 single handedly gave that title to GE. While the SD50 was struggling with mechanical problems and low sales numbers, GE was introducing their much-improved locomotives, the Dash-8 series.

SD50 units featured on this website:

Photos -

Q575
Twilight at Kingston
8601