EMD modified the SD70 design and created the SD70M-2 in order to meet the stricter diesel locomotive mission standards imposed by the EPA Tier II regulations. The SD70M-2 is a conventional DC locomotive, where he engine drives an alternator producing AC current that is rectified to DC current to power the traction motors. The
locomotive is powered by a 16-cylinder, 710G3C-T2 diesel engine, producing 4,300 horsepower. Using computer ontrolled wheel slip, the SD70M-2 is rated at 163,000 pounds starting tractive effort and 113,100 pounds continuous ractive effort. The engine and electrical system are similar to the SD70M, but updated with newer technology. The D70M-2 shares a common 74’ 3” frame and external appearance with the SD70ACe. The external design is based n the SD90 series locomotives. The design includes the full height nose door and rectangular windshields, the large
flared radiators with two fans, and the positioning of the dynamic brake equipment at the rear of the long hood. The irst SD70M-2s were three demonstrators built in 2004. Norfolk Southern was the first buyer, followed by Canadian ational, and Florida East Coast. FEC second order, numbers 104 through 107, and CN last three orders, numbers 850 through 8949, are equipped with the latest version of the isolated cab. 316 SD70M-2s have been built or are nder construction at the time of this writing.