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 SD80MAC 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 SSD80MAC is 75 mph.
The SD80MAC is equipped with the revolutionary radial truck,
the EMD HTCR-II, 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)
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