AFAIK, MRL is the ONLY Class II to buy ACez..... Heck only the Class I's (BNSF, UP, CSX) have ACez, unless KCS and NS has some.
Good question! They needed more fuel-efficient power for helper service, and these units allow nearly a 2-for-1 unit reduction. That means on a heavy train that would require, say, 4 SD45 units cut intot he train to make the summit of Mullan Pass, 2 ACez and their 4300 HP apiece would get the train over the hill, and burn MUCH less fuel doing so.
KCS does have SD70ACes. CVG Orinoco (in Brazil), BHP Billiton (in Australia) and Ferromex (in Mexico) also have SD70ACes.
The explaination beeing their amazing tractive effort: circa 190000 lbs at start-up, and 160000 lbs continuous....Here in Europe, we see modern locomotives, rating twice as many horsepowers, delivering barely 80000 lbs continuously.....(but that's true here freight hauling is marginal:angry: ). I definitively love this SD70ACE! I hope it won't be long we have a Z scale sample, matching the wonderful AZL SD70Ms and '75s!:angel: Dominique
Dominique, You are correct about the tractive effort. Their astounding pulling power is what allows a 2-for-1 unit reduction. And yes, the Skyline shot was a light helper set drifting back down to Helena.
KCS also has them. CN and NS have SD70M-2 version. NS had there newest loco-SD70M-2 on display at NC Transportation Museum last Saturday. I hope Kato makes both versions but I might have to take out a 2nd mortage. Jeff
Many people say this, failing to realize that there are few common parts, at least externally, between the SD70ACe and SD70M. It doesn't even use the same frame - it's about two feet longer, using the same frame as the SD70MAC. It would be an all-new model, and therefore no likelier than any other engine. Wow... that's as much as a Virginian 2-8-8-8-4.