EMD SD9
The EMD SD9 is a six-axle (C-C truck) diesel-electric road-switcher locomotive built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors from January 1954 to June 1959, powered by a 16-cylinder 567C prime mover rated at 1,750 horsepower and designed primarily for heavy freight hauling on mainline and secondary railroad routes.[1] With a total production of 515 units—471 for domestic U.S. railroads and 44 for export—the SD9 succeeded the earlier SD7 model and represented a key entry in EMD's "9 Line" of upgraded locomotives, incorporating improved reliability and performance features for demanding service.[1][2] Weighing between 300,000 and 360,000 pounds with a length of 60 feet 8.5 inches over the couplers, the SD9 utilized Flexicoil trucks for enhanced stability and weight distribution, achieving a starting tractive effort of 90,800 pounds and a continuous tractive effort of 75,000 pounds at 9.3 mph, with a top speed of 65 mph.[1] Its six-axle configuration provided superior adhesion and pulling power compared to four-axle contemporaries like the GP9, making it particularly suitable for steep grades and heavy ore or coal trains, though this also resulted in a smoother ride that earned it the nickname "Cadillac" among rail workers.[1][2] The locomotive's design emphasized versatility for both road freight and yard switching, with a starting tractive effort of 90,800 pounds that was 42% greater than equivalent four-axle "Geep" models, allowing for cost-effective operations on lines requiring high adhesion without excessive fleet sizes.[2] Historically, the SD9 debuted amid the post-World War II dieselization boom, filling a niche for railroads transitioning from steam power and seeking robust units for rugged terrains; major operators included the Southern Pacific Railroad, which rostered the largest fleet of 150 units for service on secondary lines, as well as the Rio Grande, Great Northern, and Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range for iron ore hauling.[1] No Canadian railroads purchased the model, but exports went to users such as the Korean National Railway and various industrial operators, underscoring its international appeal for heavy-duty applications.[2] Many SD9s remained in revenue service into the late 20th century, with some rebuilt and operational until the 1996 Southern Pacific-Union Pacific merger, while others have been preserved in museums or excursion service due to their historical significance in first-generation diesel technology.[1]Design and specifications
Overview and development
The EMD SD9 was a first-generation, six-axle diesel-electric locomotive developed by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) as the heavy-haul counterpart to the four-axle GP9, specifically designed for freight service on secondary lines and branches where lower axle loading was essential to avoid damaging lighter-weight track structures.[1] As an upgraded successor to the earlier SD7 model, the SD9 incorporated enhancements to meet growing demands for more powerful road locomotives in the post-World War II era.[3] EMD's development of the SD9 aligned with the broader "9 Line" series, which emphasized 1,750 horsepower output from the compatible 567C series engine for efficient road freight operations, while the C-C truck configuration provided superior tractive effort compared to the GP9's B-B setup, enabling better performance on stiff grades and heavy loads.[1] Key innovations included a high short hood design for improved crew visibility and a Phase II carbody that standardized dynamic braking with integrated cooling fans, enhancing control and reliability in demanding service.[4] Production of the SD9 began in January 1954 at EMD's La Grange, Illinois plant, following the model's introduction as part of the 1954 lineup, and continued until June 1959, resulting in a total of 471 units built for U.S. railroads (with 44 additional units for export).[1][4]Engine and powertrain
The EMD SD9 utilized the EMD 16-567C as its prime mover, a two-stroke, uniflow-scavenged V16 diesel engine that represented an evolution from the earlier 567B series.[5] This engine delivered a rated output of 1,750 horsepower at 800 rpm, with a maximum speed of 835 rpm, enabling reliable performance in heavy freight service.[6] It incorporated a bore of 8.5 inches and a stroke of 10 inches per cylinder, yielding a total displacement of 9,072 cubic inches across its 16 cylinders.[6] The 567C's design emphasized durability through a reinforced crankcase that better resisted operational stresses, facilitating extended service intervals compared to predecessors.[1] Power from the prime mover was converted and delivered via a direct-drive main generator, designated the GM D12, which produced electrical current to drive the locomotive's traction system.[1] This current powered six GM D47 traction motors—one per axle—arranged in a C-C truck configuration for balanced adhesion and tractive effort distribution.[6] The setup provided a starting tractive effort of 90,800 lbf at 25% adhesion and continuous tractive effort of 75,000 lbf at 9.3 mph, supporting the SD9's role in hauling heavy trains over varied terrain.[1] A gear ratio of 62:15 limited the top speed to approximately 65 mph, prioritizing low-speed pulling power over high-velocity operation.[6] The locomotive's fuel system featured a standard capacity of 1,200 U.S. gallons, with some units equipped with dual tanks for up to 2,400 gallons to extend range on long hauls; diesel fuel was stored in underframe tanks insulated against temperature extremes.[1] Cooling for the 567C engine relied on a radiator system with four electrically driven fans, circulating 260 gallons of water to manage thermal loads during sustained operation.[6] The electrical system operated on a 64-volt battery setup, powering auxiliaries including traction motor blowers and control circuits.[7] In freight service, the SD9 achieved fuel efficiency of approximately 400-500 ton-miles per gallon under typical loads, reflecting the era's diesel-electric standards for medium-haul efficiency.[8] Maintenance of the powertrain benefited from the 567C's modular construction, which allowed for component-level overhauls without full engine disassembly, reducing downtime relative to earlier non-unitized designs.[5] Key elements like the generator and traction motors were accessible via side doors and removable panels, supporting routine inspections and repairs in field conditions.[6]Chassis and operational features
The EMD SD9 featured a robust chassis designed for heavy freight service, with an overall length of 60 feet 8.5 inches and an operating weight of 360,000 pounds, enabling reliable performance on demanding rail networks.[6] The frame incorporated a drop-equalizer design, which distributed weight evenly across the axles to enhance stability on uneven or curved track sections, a critical feature for road switcher operations in varied terrain.[9] This configuration, combined with the locomotive's low center of gravity, contributed to its reputation for a smooth ride, earning it the nickname "Cadillac" among railroad crews.[1] The SD9's truck setup consisted of two three-axle Flexicoil C trucks in a C-C wheel arrangement, each with a 13-foot 7-inch wheelbase and 40-inch diameter wheels, providing approximately 180,000 pounds of adhesion weight per truck to maximize traction for starting and sustained pulling on grades.[6][1] These trucks utilized coil springs and equalizers for suspension, allowing better weight transfer and reduced wheel slip during heavy-haul duties compared to earlier rigid designs.[9] The cab adhered to Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards, featuring a full-width short hood for improved visibility and crew comfort during long runs, with options for a steam generator in select units to support passenger or mixed-train service by heating cars.[1] Controls included multiple-unit (MU) capability for operating in consists of up to six locomotives, facilitating efficient power distribution in larger freight consists without requiring additional crew.[6] Operational safety and efficiency were bolstered by standard dynamic braking, which extended the main generator to create resistance and slow the locomotive without relying solely on air brakes, particularly useful on descending grades.[6] The air brake system employed a Westinghouse 24RL setup, compliant with contemporary standards for reliable stopping power, while sanding systems delivered sand to the rails via nozzles at each truck to improve adhesion in wet or slippery conditions.[6] Overall dimensions included a 48-foot 7-inch wheelbase and a height of 15 feet from rail to cab top, optimizing clearance for heavy-haul routes such as mountain railroads where stability and power integration with the trucks were essential.[6][1]Production and variants
Production history
The EMD SD9 was manufactured exclusively at the General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) plant in La Grange, Illinois, where all assembly and testing occurred for this model. Production commenced in January 1954 with the first units rolling off the line for major U.S. railroads, marking a transition from the earlier SD7 model. The SD9 incorporated refinements such as the upgraded 16-cylinder 567C prime mover, delivering 1,750 horsepower compared to the SD7's 1,500 horsepower 567B engine, which improved fuel efficiency and starting tractive effort to 90,800 pounds. This upgrade addressed limitations in the SD7's performance on heavy freight hauls, encouraging broader adoption among railroads seeking enhanced pulling power without increasing axle loads beyond 60,000 pounds per axle.[3] Over the five-year production run ending in June 1959, EMD built a total of 515 SD9s, comprising 471 units for North American domestic customers and 44 for export to countries including Chile, Korea, and Venezuela. Domestic serial numbers spanned from 18769 (first unit to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad #2224) to 25436, with notable batches such as those in the 20000-20439 range allocated to Southern Pacific and other carriers. Export units occupied serials in the 21484-24576 range. A single demonstrator, EMD #110 (serial 20655, built July 1955), was used for promotional trials before sale to the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway as #5591. Production rates accelerated during 1955-1956, reflecting strong initial demand for six-axle road locomotives amid post-war freight traffic growth, though exact monthly outputs varied with order fulfillment.[1][10][11] Demand for the SD9 began to wane after 1957 as railroads increasingly prioritized higher-horsepower options like the forthcoming SD24 (2,400 horsepower), which promised greater speed and tonnage handling on upgraded tracks. Economic factors, including a shift toward four-axle GP9 models for lighter duties (over 6,300 built versus fewer than 700 SD-series units total), further eroded sales of six-axle designs. Production concluded in June 1959 with the launch of the 18-series locomotives, such as the GP18 and SD18, which offered 1,800 horsepower in a compliant Phase II emissions configuration while maintaining similar operational footprints.[3]Standard SD9
The EMD SD9 was produced in its standard configuration as a 1,750 horsepower (1,300 kW), six-axle (C-C) diesel-electric locomotive designed exclusively for freight service, lacking a steam generator boiler that was optional in some units but not part of the baseline model. Powered by a 16-cylinder EMD 567C prime mover, it featured a D22 main generator and traction motors providing a starting tractive effort of 90,800 pounds (40,500 kg) at 25% adhesion, with continuous effort of 75,000 pounds (34,000 kg) at 9.3 mph (15 km/h). The standard carbody measured 60 feet 8.5 inches (18.5 m) in length and 15 feet (4.6 m) in height to the cab roof, incorporating a phase II design in later production runs with side louvers for enhanced radiator cooling and two 48-inch (1,219 mm) dynamic brake fans in place of the earlier four 36-inch (914 mm) units. Weighing approximately 360,000 pounds (163,000 kg), it rode on Flexicoil trucks with 40-inch (1,016 mm) wheels and a 62:15 gear ratio, enabling a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h).[6][1] A total of 471 standard SD9 units were built for domestic U.S. railroads between January 1954 and June 1959, with an additional 44 exported, making the baseline model the most numerous in the series before post-production modifications. Major allocations included orders for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and Southern Pacific Railroad, among others. Steam generators were optional for several buyers, including 52 units for Southern Pacific (5340–5391), some for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and 2 for Great Northern. These locomotives were equipped with Westinghouse 24RL air brakes, a Gardner-Denver WBO air compressor, and a 1,200-gallon (4,500 L) fuel tank as standard, supporting extended freight hauls without passenger accommodations.[6][1] In operation, the standard SD9 served primarily in road freight duties on Class I railroads, hauling heavy tonnage over mainlines and branches, often in multiple-unit lash-ups for helper service in mountainous or graded territories. Its robust design proved reliable for dragging ore, coal, and general merchandise, with dynamic braking aiding control on descents. Identification features included builder's plates on the engine room door listing the EMD serial number (e.g., 20000-23499 for domestic units) and model designation, while the early demonstrator EMD 5591 wore a distinctive black-and-yellow paint scheme before customer repainting.[6][1] Many standard SD9s operated in their original configuration for over 30 years, with retirements peaking in the 1970s as higher-horsepower successors displaced them, though some endured into the 1990s on secondary routes before scrapping or rebuilding. Average service life exceeded three decades, underscoring the model's durability in freight applications.[1]Rebuilt and specialized variants
The EMD SD9 saw several specialized factory variants and post-production rebuilds tailored for specific operational needs, extending the model's service life and adapting it to unique applications. One notable specialized variant was the SD9s, a lightweight configuration produced for the Southern Pacific Railroad to operate on lighter branchline tracks while maintaining versatility. These units featured modifications such as reduced weight through lighter materials and components, allowing for more efficient service on secondary routes without compromising the core 1,750 horsepower output of the 16-cylinder 567C engine.[12] Southern Pacific ordered a significant number of SD9s equipped with steam generators for occasional passenger train service, particularly in the mid-1950s. The initial batch of 30 units, delivered in 1954, included steam boilers to provide heating for passenger cars, enabling these locomotives to handle mixed freight and passenger duties on routes where dedicated passenger power was limited. These steam-equipped SD9s, designated as SD9s by the railroad, totaled around 52 units across early orders, with serial numbers ranging from 19428 to 20237, and were built between 1954 and 1955. This adaptation highlighted the SD9's flexibility, as the steam generators were integrated without altering the locomotive's primary freight capabilities.[13] In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Norfolk Southern Railway undertook a rebuild program to create the SD9m variant, focusing on enhancing reliability for hump yard switching operations. Ten former SD9s—eight from the Nickel Plate Road and two from the Central of Georgia—were rebuilt at NS's Roanoke Shops between 1989 and 1995, retaining the original 567C engine blocks but upgrading them with 645-series power assemblies for improved durability and parts commonality with newer locomotives. These modifications resulted in a derated output of approximately 1,500 horsepower, optimized for low-speed, high-cycle yard work rather than mainline speeds, and included complete rewiring, new 26-L air brakes, and repainting in the Thoroughbred scheme. The SD9ms served in hump yards at locations like Bellevue, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia, until retirement around 2010, demonstrating extended life through targeted upgrades that prioritized switching efficiency over original road power.[14] Southern Pacific also conducted extensive mid-life rebuilds on its SD9 fleet in the 1970s and 1980s, designating upgraded units as SD9Es to reflect enhancements for continued freight service. These rebuilds typically involved overhauling the 567C engine, updating electrical systems, and removing steam generators from earlier passenger-equipped units to focus on drag freight duties. For example, SP 5418 was rebuilt into SD9E 4406, with improvements to cooling and traction components for better performance on heavy hauls. Only a few retained steam capabilities, such as units 4450 and 4451, underscoring the shift toward specialized freight roles. These efforts extended the operational lifespan of many SD9s into the 1990s under successor Union Pacific.[2]Operators and service
Original buyers
The EMD SD9 was acquired by numerous North American Class I railroads during the post-World War II dieselization boom, as carriers sought to replace aging steam locomotives on heavy-haul freight routes with more reliable and efficient diesel-electric power.[1] Production totaled 515 units between January 1954 and June 1959, with approximately 471 built for domestic U.S. railroads and 44 for export markets, the vast majority going to Class I lines that accounted for over 90% of orders.[2] Orders were typically placed in batches for specific operational needs, such as helper service on steep grades or drag freights, and most units featured the standard configuration with minor customizations like steam generators for some applications.[10] The Southern Pacific Transportation Company was the largest original buyer, purchasing 150 SD9s in five batches delivered between 1954 and 1956, numbered 5340–5444 and 5449–5493.[15] These locomotives were primarily intended for helper service on challenging routes, including the steep grades of Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Beaumont Hill, and Tehachapi, where their high tractive effort of 91,000 pounds proved advantageous for assisting heavy freights.[1] Many included steam generators for potential passenger or mixed-train use, along with features like dual fuel systems on later orders and automatic train stop equipment on select batches.[15] Other significant U.S. buyers included the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway with 73 units delivered from 1955 to 1959 for iron ore trains in the Upper Great Lakes region, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad with 50 units from 1954 to 1955 for general freight including some equipped with steam generators, the Great Northern Railway with 27 units from 1954 to 1958 for mountain district hauls, and the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad with 10 units from 1954 to 1955 for mountain and heavy freight service.[2] The Pennsylvania Railroad ordered 25 SD9s in late 1957 and early 1958, numbered 7600–7624, for mid-Atlantic coal and heavy freight trains requiring enhanced adhesion and tractive effort in demanding environments.[10] The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad acquired 10 units in 1954 and 1955 for hump yard and transfer service, while the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (Nickel Plate Road) purchased 20 in 1957 for similar heavy-duty freight applications.[2]| Railroad | Units | Delivery Years | Primary Intended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Pacific | 150 | 1954–1956 | Helper service on Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi grades |
| Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range | 73 | 1955–1959 | Iron ore drag freights |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 50 | 1954–1955 | General freight, some with steam generators |
| Great Northern | 27 | 1954–1958 | Mountain district hauls |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 25 | 1957–1958 | Mid-Atlantic coal and heavy freights |
| Nickel Plate Road | 20 | 1957 | Heavy-duty freight |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 10 | 1954–1955 | Hump yard and transfer service |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 10 | 1954–1955 | Mountain and heavy freight service |