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EMD SD80/90

Prototype Information

The 80/90MAC is one of today's most powerful locomotives, seen throughout North America on Class I mainline railroads.
Weighing in at more than 400,000 pounds and with a length in excess of 80 feet, the 80/90 is one of the heaviest and longest single diesel locomotive in the world.
The 80/90MAC series was introduced by EMD in late 1995.
Conrail was the first railroad to receive the 80MAC in early 1996. As it would turn out, Conrail would be the only original buyer of this locomotive, even purchasing both of the demonstrator units. CSX and Norfolk Southern have since acquired these units.
The behemoth SD80 can generate up to 5,000 horsepower.
The maximum speed of the 80/90 is 75 mph.
To date, there have been three production "versions" of the SD90. The production version Kato has chosen to recreate is the 4,300 horsepower 9043.
Union Pacific, by far, operates the largest fleet of SD90 units. They have even applied different paint schemes to these units.
The 80/90 is equipped with the revolutionary radial truck, capable of reducing the angle of wear between wheels and rail. While keeping the wheels parallel to the direction of the track, this truck literally steers the locomotive through curves. This new technology improves locomotive adhesion and performance, eliminates several conventional truck components, extends locomotive component and track life and improves the ride quality. (Source: "Mechanically Speaking," Volume 3, Issue 12)


Model Information

  • This production includes models of both the SD80MAC and SD9043MAC.
  • The split metal frame mechanism is "DCC-friendly" (designed for easy drop-in installation of decoder).
  • All models are equipped with bright white LED headlights.
  • These models have lighted front-end ditch lights, similar to those on the Kato C44-9W models.
  • All models will be equipped with KATO semi-automatic knuckle couplers.
  • All models will include printed numberboards (modeler install).
  • All models will be equipped with the powerful KATO five-pole motor with dual brass flywheels and chemically blackened metal wheels.
  • While these models should be capable of operating on a 9-3/4" radius curve, it is recommended they be run on curves no smaller than an 11" radius to prevent the appearance of unrealistic overhang.
  • Modeling era: 1995 to present.
  • Included with model are number boards and front hand rails (to be installed by consumer). Also longer shank Kato knuckle couplers to be used if model is run on layouts with sharp radius curves.

Front end details include windshield wipers, ditch lights (working), plow, numberboards.

Side features include highly detailed trucks and EMD Builders Plates

A first for Kato: underframe detailing. A special piece is installed underneath the sill plate with details such the plumbing shown here.

Detailing on the fans and handrails is the usual High Kato Quality
These models are truely huge. The SD90 in the back overshadows the Kato C44-9W in the front.

Coupler Converion Info:
MTL-2004 for front and rear pilot, no modification necessary
NOTE: If you are going to run these engines around extremely tight radius curves (less than 12" radius) then please use the MTL-2001 coupler)

Micro-Trains #2004 coupler fits easily on both ends of engine.


SD80
Road Name Road # Picture Retail Our $ Part #

SD90/43 MAC
Road Name Road # Picture Retail Our $ Part #
none available at this time

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