Facing growing competition from the larger "Dash 7s" of General Electric, EMD pushed its 16-cylinder 645 engine to its max. The 3500 horsepower SD50 produced nearly the same horsepower output as the SD45 but with a power plant 20% smaller. Although the front of the locomotives didn't change much in appearance, a longer frame and hood allowed rearrangement of the dynamic brakes and produced a long, sleek, and imposing design. With its engine pressed to its limits, operating problems plagued the SD50s. Despite being delivered to 12 railroads, production would last less than 5 years. In 1986 the new SD60 replaced the earlier model in a very similar car body but with an all-new engine. It would be the building block for the next generation of EMD power. Despite the early problems, many railroads rebuilt and tuned the SD50s into reliable power which would serve well for decades to come. In the past 10 years, more extensive rebuilds have kept fleets running for second, third or even fourth owners. You can still find them in service across the United States today looking as powerful and imposing as ever. Although there have been Lionel "stand ins" in the past, these new SD50s have been retooled to offer accurate long hood details as well as improved and different cab and short hood options, kinematic pilots and accurate trucks per road name. Internally, the models feature our LEGACY and Bluetooth control systems, RailSounds, fan-driven smoke and LED lighting, including ditch lights or Mars lights where appropriate. For even more audible awesomeness, add a SuperBass unit to capture the deep rich sounds of a large locomotive. SuperBass locos feature the same lighting and smoke effects as powered models but are not powered. From the 1980s to today, no layout should be without one of these beauties!
