SD9
From RailroadfanWiki
The Electromotive Division SD9 is a 6 axle, 1,750 HP diesel-electric locomotive built by EMD from 1954 to 1959. It uses a 16 cylinder 567C prime mover rated at 1,750 HP, the same engine used in the GP9. The main spotting difference between an SD7 and an SD9 is the class lights on the SD9, which are on small bumps on the end of the hood and face outwards.
Realizing that there was indeed a market for 6 axle road switcher engines, EMD replaced the SD7 with the more powerful SD9 in 1954. The unit was a big hit, with 515 SD9's being built. Southern Pacific took a great interest in the unit and ordered 150 of them. Because of it's 6 powered axles and it's high overall weight, the SD9 could pull more than a GP9 up the steep grades of SP's famed Donner Pass. The SD9's enjoyed long lives on the SP, surviving into the 1990's as rebuilt SD9E's.
Thought not very common today, SD9's continue to ply the rails. BNSF rosters a few former BN SD9's, some with chopped noses, for use in local and switching service. Norfolk Southern also rosters 2 SD9's, which are stored at the moment. Many shortlines have picked up SD9's, and a few have been donated to museums.
Continue on to the SD18
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