Built by EMD, to withstand extreme sand environments... deserts; railways, such as Saudi Arabia Railway(SAR) and Etihad Rail ordered this fairly new heavy-haul, diesel-electric locomotive.
The distinctive SD70ACS would make a great, highly detailed, O scale model.
Rick
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picture?
There's numerous sites with images, including:
RR Picture Archives - SAR SD70ACS 4002.
Rick
There have been a lot of filtration devices added to this model.
Andrew
The SD70ACS's are specifically designed for the extreme conditions found in a desert including, extreme temperatures.
Some of the models special features are - a pulse filtration system, movable plows located on the pilot and the trucks; and a fire display system.
I read that, some of these special 70's are built lighter, to meet specific local regulations, but still have the traction capability, required.
I never gave it too much thought... railroading in the desert, but it must look kind of cool... those big machines, blasting over the sands. Guys over there would have great visual scenes to model, especially the camel crossings.
Rick
Found a video on Youtube
Boiler,
Thanks!
Rick
They look sorta like Hammerheads.
Hopefully there is some provision for oxygen to the crew when running through sandstorms. (Don't forget the plow)
Yeah, but who would buy one? Both Lionel and OMI offered 1/48 Ferromex SD70ACes, which are seen all round N. America, and Lionel cancelled due to lack of orders and OMI got zero reservations for the O Scale version.
Richard
Where is Lawrence of Arabia!
I think the ACS would make the transition to O scale, quite nicely. I'd buy one.
Rick
No rooftop AC units? I don't thing operating with the front crew door open is the answer to the 100+degree temps.
They're new... probably just enjoying some fresh air, and airing them out.
These special locomotives are probably quite effective, sub-like... providing the necessary protection, for the harsh environmental conditions.
The first units were ordered in 2009 and started arriving in 2010, and more are due this year. They should have proven themselves reliable, by now.
Rick
The US has it's desert regions... I think a consist of O scale SAND MASTERS would look quite good, wearing the Union Pacific and/or BNSF liveries. Quite good!
Rick
It's nothing new...
Rusty
For some reason, I like the ACS's a wee bit better.
Rick
I think the ACS would make the transition to O scale, quite nicely. I'd buy one.
Rick
If Lionel made this "HAMMERHEAD" 
locomotive in a Norfolk Southern RR or a Montana RR unit I would buy 2-3 of each RR. I really like the looks of this locomotive. 
If MTH is willing to make that Swiss gator thing, because the Europeans have extra dough to burn then, why not something the rich oil guys will dig? Those guys have lots of money...
Some of us might be in, as well. We don't care where the prototypes earn their keep.
Those old GE electrics... Joe somethings or something Joe's, designed for Stalin's crew, that never made it out of the US... found a home in the O zone.
Now, it's time for some "SAND BLASTERS"!
Rick
That graphic sand storm scene in the latest Mission Impossible movie, would look even better with a consist of screaming ACS's, maxed-out, busting through that massive cloud of swirling sand.
Might make a nice ad for EMD, as well?
The O gauge firms might get some mileage out of that, too?
Rick
Link to the testing of the engine with a number of pictures
http://railfan.thegrebs.com/Sa...abia-Railway-SD70ACs
Great pictures of the innovative desert specialists... ACS's.
My wife saw me looking at these pictures, and liked the look of the locomotives.
Modeled in the SAR livery... would be striking.
An excellent contribution to this thread, thanks Mike.
Probably, the most interesting looking modern locomotive that I've seen in a long time.
Rick
More to read regarding the Saudi units here:
http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=74735
Bob
Thanks, Bob.
Rick
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