- BNSF
Executive Scheme
As noted above in the Prototype History, the SD70MAC
grew out of the EMD/BN SD60MAC demonstrators. The first SD70MAC was delivered
to the BN in 1993 and established a standard locomotive type that remains a favorite
on BNSF today. Even after the BN+ATSF=BNSF merger, the SD70MAC continued to be
painted in the classy "Executive" scheme. BNSF #9837, manufactured in
March, 1997, was the final new locomotive to be painted in the BN Executive scheme. - BNSF
Heritage II Scheme
The attractive BNSF Heritage II Scheme, also known
as the "Premium Heritage Scheme," evolved from a special paint job applied
to SD60M #9297. This locomotive was painted in a slightly different scheme on
both sides, and based on employee input, the Heritage II Scheme was developed!
The original Heritage I scheme is still applied to standard cab locomotives, however
all wide cab locomotives now receive the Heritage II Scheme when repainted. Both
the Heritage I and Heritage II Schemes are based on colors and logos from BNSF
predecessor railroads.
- Conrail
An astute modeler will note that the road numbers Conrail assigned to their SD70MAC
locomotives (4130-4144) fall neatly in line behind the road numbers assigned to
their previously delivered SD80MACs (4100-4129). Conrail had placed an order with
EMD for additional SD80MAC locomotives. But, then the NS & CSX merger/split
with Conrail occured and the two new owners divided all locomotives right down
the middle. Because this was a pending order, and CSX and NS were now in control,
they were able to make order modifications. According to the Conrail
Cyclopedia, Norfolk Southern converted their allotment of the second SD80MAC
order into standard cab SD70 locomotives, while CSX converted their order into
wide cab SD70MAC locomotives. Delivered in Conrail paint, these locomotives were
built to the specifications of their future owners (note no red warning lights
on CR SD70MACs). These were Conrail's final locomotives. - CSX
On the CSX, the hard-working SD70MAC (known by the CSX as the SD70AC) is assigned
to the Cumberland Coal Division. Delivered in 1997, CSX's original 75 locomotives
were supplemented with an additional 15 from the Conrail merger. Prototype photos
of CSX SD70MAC locomotives are available from the CSX
Photo Archives. - Alaska
Railroad
When the Alaska Railroad ordered their SD70MAC locomotives for
use on passenger and freight service, they were essentially an "add-on"
to a pending BNSF order. In fact, the new Alaska Railroad paint scheme, which
debuted on the SD70MAC, is based on the BN/BNSF Executive scheme! John Combs has
put together an excellent website
on Alaska Railroad history. Specific SD70MAC pages are here
and here.
The ARR SD70MACs were shipped by rail from Altoona, PA, through UP's Proviso Yard
in Chicago, and all the way out to Seattle, WA for transfer to ship so they could
be delivered to Alaska. During their trip across the lower 48 states, railfans
flocked to the rails to catch a glimpse of ARR's newest power. - TFM
(Kansas City Southern Affiliate)
Officially known as Grupo Transportacion
Ferroviaria Mexicana, TFM assumed control of Mexico's Northeast Railway in June
of 1997. It was the first railway to be privatized under Mexico's National Development
Plan. TFM operates the primary rail route in northern Mexico linking Mexico City
with Laredo, Texas, where over 50 percent of US-Mexico trade crosses the border.
Union Pacific and BNSF both interchange with TFM in Laredo, Texas (BNSF by way
of trackage right over another NAFTA railroad, the Texas-Mexican Railway). A joint
venture of Transportacion Maritima Mexicana (TMM) and KCS with the Mexican government,
TFM is providing a critical link in Kansas City Southern's NAFTA Railway. The
locomotives wear the same paint scheme as other KCS family railroads and are capable
of operating on any NAFTA Railway line. Additional information about TFM can be
found on the TFM corporate website.
- Burlington Northern
As noted above in
the Prototype History, the SD70MAC grew out of the EMD/BN SD60MAC demonstrators.
The first SD70MAC was delivered to the BN in 1993 and established a standard locomotive
type that remains a favorite on BNSF today. As the last new locomotives purchased
by Burlington Northern, the SD70MAC has a special place in US Railroad History.
- BNSF Merger
Scheme
When the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroads announced
that they would be merging, a special one-of-a-kind locomotive was released from
the paint shop. This very special locomotive commemorated the merger in a unique
way: the famous Santa Fe "Warbonnet" styling was painted using the attractive
Burlington Northern "Executive" colors. The locomotive was a rolling
"paint scheme merger!" As the only SD70MAC to ever wear a "Warbonnet"
paint scheme, Kato is pleased to offer the locomotive in model form. |
