Modern Locomotive Guide

Locomotive: SD60 Series - F, M, I, MAC

Manufacturer: General Motors Diesel Division

Horsepower Rating: 3,800 Hp

Prime Mover: 16 Cylinder 710, Generation 3A

Weight: 184 Imperial Tons

Weight Distribution: 6-axle (C-C), 34.5 Tons per axle

Length:

Manufacture Dates: 1984-1992

Number of Units: 1,118

Visual Identification: The basic locomotive is identical to it's predecessor, the SD50. This unit did not come with dynamic brake blisters, as the dynamic brakes had been moved towards the front of the locomotive to get them away from the heat generated by the Prime Mover. The only real spotting difference is the number of doors on the side of the locomotive.

The SD60F was a unit that was built with a full body cowl; the unit resembles the old Santa Fe's F45's. The 60I and 60M versions both came with wide crew cabs, with the "I" standing for isolated whisper cab.

Trivials: - The SD60M was GM's first commercially viable AC traction testbed. The locomotive was also the beginning of the end for the "Spartan" crew cab.

- After the major screw-up that was the SD50, the future of GMDD was on the line with the release of the SD60. Although it's basic appearance is identical to the SD50, the inside of the SD60 had been totally reworked. The SD60 was the first unit to use microprocessor controls. These controls regulated cooling functions, traction motors, wheel-slip, and fuel efficiency. The overworked 645 prime mover was replaced with an engine displacing 710 cubic inches per storke. Finally, the SD60 was offered on the new HTC trucks.

SD60 units featured on this website:

Photos -

Water Tank Road
NS Autoracks at Dalton
6787
Green on Black

Video -

GM Train at Hill City