SD70ACe/M-2 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

EMD launched the SD70ACe and SD70M-2 in 2004 to modernize its mainline lineup and meet Tier 2 emissions standards. Both used the 16-cylinder 710G3C-T2 engine rated at 4,300 horsepower, but the SD70ACe drove AC traction motors for maximum pulling power and adhesion, while the SD70M-2 used DC motors for railroads that wanted a simpler, lower-cost option. Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Kansas City Southern built big fleets of ACes, while Canadian National became the leading buyer of the M-2. EMD kept developing the platform with heavy-haul variants, international models, and the Tier 4-compliant SD70ACe-T4. By combining muscle, reliability, and compliance with stricter emissions rules, the SD70ACe and SD70M-2 carried EMD into the 21st century and kept its locomotives at the front of heavy freight service.