With a maximum speed range between 55 and 89 miles per hour, depending on the gearing ratio selected, and a tractive force of 90,000 pounds, the SD series was here to stay. With the SD7, EMD introduced the “lightweight” Flexicoil truck which enabled these locomotives to be used on branchlines as well as for road service. These trucks were so smooth that the SD7 was compared to “riding in a luxury car.”    

    With the advent of 1954, EMD made a conservative marketing push against the competition with the announcement of their “Nine Line” series.  This consisted of the introduction of new locomotive model numbers, the SW9/1200, the F9A/B, the GP9, and the SD9.

 Order Deadline July 16, 2009

Delivery Expected December 2009