The next classic

In auto fan circles, we sometimes guess at what the next Duesenberg will be - in other words, what the next classic will be. It seems the SD40 holds the mantle right now and toughest and longest lasting second generation power. What will be the "next" SD40 in terms of longevity, toughness, and ubiquity?

I'm guessing the SD70MAC - sure as heck won't be the "green goat"...

SD70 series.

Tadman wrote: I'm guessing the SD70MAC - sure as heck won't be the "green goat"...

I'm told that's EMD's thoughts on the matter, FWIW.

Tadman, do you mean just the SD40 or both the SD40 and the SD40-2? I think that the SD80MAC will become a classic. As will the the SD70 series like ANDY117 said. Maybe the SD70 most of all.

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1929th member on this forum

Are you sure about the SD80MAC? There weren't really enough built for them to be widespread enough to be considered a "classic," and although at the moment it's not really a big issue, their oddball 20-cylinder prime movers will probably be a contributing factor in their ultimate demise.

Would the SD45 also count?

I think the SD70 series will be the next classic, probably not for another 30 years!

Just look at Uncle Pete, the SD70M is practically the "new SD40-2" to them, with well over 300 units.

emd_SD_60 wrote:Just look at Uncle Pete, the SD70M is practically the "new SD40-2" to them, with well over 300 units.

I thought they had over 1000 SD70Ms.

That would sound more like it...

They have more then 1K.

1447 SD 70's is the count posted on the web site.
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/locorost2005.pdf

Imagine how many they might have if they had started buying them back in 94 or 95!

F40PH

In terms of "longevity, toughness, and ubiquity"... Hmm... I'd have to agree on the SD70M (or Teir-II successors)

I think the SD80MACs are classics since few were built and that they could be (are) the first unpopular AC locomotives built. The SD80MACs are also the first locomotives since the SD45 to have a 20 cylinder prime mover.

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1929th member on this forum

I think the SD80MACs are classics since few were built and that they could be (are) the first unpopular AC locomotives built. The SD80MACs are also the first locomotives since the SD45 to have a 20 cylinder prime mover.

I really do like SD80MAC's, but those reasons don't necessarily make them a classic--especially the fact that there were few built. "Classic" is something that is "an excellent model of its kind"; "balanced, formal, regular, simple etc"; "famous as traditional or typical" (from good ol' Webster's dictionary). That's why I chose the SD70M .