Norfolk Southern is once again rebuilding its 10 EMD SD9M's (50-59), this time at Altoona. Spotter reports indicate the 53 has been completed and also was repainted. It is currently on its way south in Ohio on Train 13V. This unit was formerly assigned to Sheffield, AL, so it is probably returning there. It is really great to see these former Nickel Plate Road and Central of Georgia locomotives still in active use on a Class 1 railroad after 45+ years of service. Chris Toth
Interesting. What is the scope of the work? IIRC, they pretty much kept their original external appearance after the first rebuild, although I think three of them lost the sidesill access doors. Will there be any major changes, like chopped short hoods, Dash-2 electricals, etc.?
Good news indeed. I really like the look of these locomotives, and they must be good machines to last this long, and get multiple upgrades. Long may they continue!
Paul: As far as I know, the SD9M's are just being overhauled mechanically this time around. The units were gutted and rewired during the first rebuild in the early 90's so no major electrical work should be necessary. You are correct that three units, Nos. 50, 53 and 56, lost their sidesill access doors and all their MU equipment when last rebuilt. Other than that, the units are externally pretty much the same as when they were originally built. Chris Toth
Thanks for the info, Chris. Great to see some more-or-less original SD9's still in service on a Class 1. Seems like many people forget that NS still operates them. I guess they get overshadowed by the hordes of C40-9W's and other big power.
Are these units getting the short hood cut down? I think the original rebuilds were done that way. Harold [ 27 January 2002, 06:05: Message edited by: chessie ]
