HO SD60E Locomotive, NS/Veterans #6920

LEGENDARY LIVERIES

What are Legendary Liveries? An Athearn exclusive, they are the ultimate answer to “What if?” Featuring some of the most popular railroad paint schemes of all time, these models are perfect for collecting, proto- freelancing, or just plain fun! Whether company proposed paint schemes, canceled locomotive orders, or alternate takes on history, Legendary Liveries are fun and unique additions to any roster. Enjoy these items, and answer the ultimate railroad question of: “What if?”

PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:

In 1984, EMD unveiled the first four SD60 demonstrator locomotives. The SD60 was equipped with a 3,800 horsepower, 16 cylinder, turbocharged 710G3A Beginning in early 2010, NS SD60 #6653 entered the Juniata shops in Altoona, PA as what would be the first of 240 planned units of the SD60E Capital Rebuild Program for Norfolk Southern. Following in August the same year, SD60s #6567 & #6576 were retired and destined for the SD60E program that was planned to continue through 2019. Mechanically, the original prime mover, a 16-cylinder 710G3, remained but was thoroughly rebuilt to 710G3B specs and rerated to 4,000 horsepower. The original shaft-driven air compressor was replaced with a new motor-driven compressor. All-new electrical cabinets and wiring coupled with EMD’s EM2000 microprocessor controls was installed, along with D99BTR traction motors. A new split-cooling system helps the SD60E meet Tier 0+ emission requirements and reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 5% as compared to an older SD60 model. The SD60E’s tractive effort is rated at 109,000 pounds while an un-rebuilt SD60 is rated at 96,320-100,000 pounds.

Externally while most of the SD60’s carbody remained intact, the program included the installation of a completely new cab, offering crews better crash protec- tion. The original SD60 cab weighs 3,800 pounds compared to 12,500 pounds for the new cab. A more spacious work environment is available with the new cab of the SD60E. This cab was designed by NS with input from outside consultants and train crews. Fabricated by Curry Railroad Supply, a local vendor, it looks unlike anything else on U.S. rails with its pronounced numberboard/headlight housing and flat front with a centered cab door.

The first unit was finally released for service on November 15, 2010, carrying road number 6900. In March 2011, 6901 was released, followed by 6902 in June of that year. These three units gave NS mechanical personnel valuable feedback as the units toured the system, enduring “real life” testing.

In March 2012, the fourth SD60E emerged from Juniata as one of the 12 units initially funded for the program. But the pace of the remanufacturing process picked up as initial teething problems were addressed. The units soon met the carrier’s expectations and began entering revenue service on a regular basis.