The SD80MAC is a 5000 horsepower (3.7 MW) C-C diesel-electric locomotive. The SD80MAC uses a 20 cylinder version of EMD's 710G engine, and is the first diesel locomotive to utilize a 20 cylinder engine since the SD45/ SD45-2. The SD80MAC introduced a wide radiator housing similar to GE locomotives and the placement of dynamic brakes at the rear of the locomotive, which is a cleaner location, features that were incorporated into the SD90MAC and SD70ACe models. Key spotting difference between the SD80MAC and SD90MAC include: no external rear sandbox on the 90MAC, rear number boards, and the placement of the front numberboards (above the cab windows on the SD80MAC, on the nose on most SD90MACs). The SD80MAC also has recessed red marker lights in the nose, an identifying feature unique to Conrail locomotives.

All 30 units built were delivered to Conrail, and the 28 production units were completed, tested, and painted at the former Pennsylvania Railroad shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In the Conrail split, Norfolk Southern received 17 units (numbered 7200-7216) while CSX got 13 (800-812, being renumbered to 4590-4602). The former Conrail units are the only AC traction locomotives owned by Norfolk Southern. While Norfolk Southern quickly removed the class lights, CSX did not and they can still be seen on the engines. Chicago and North Western Railway ordered 15, along with Canadian Pacific, but the orders were canceled and/or changed. Even Conrail ordered more, but its new owners changed the order to SD70s and SD70MACs, all of which would be built at the Juniata Shop in Altoona.

The SD80MAC is one of the most popular locomotives with railfans, partially due to its rarity.

Technical

Prime Mover:

• EMD V20 710G3B-ES
• Idle - 200 RPM
• Full Speed - 904 RPM
• Lube Oil Capacity 510 US Gal
• Cooling Water Capacity 342 US Gal
• Fuel Capacity 5800 US Gal

Main Alternator:

• EMD TA22-CA8A
• Maximum Voltage - 2600 VDC
• Maximum Current - 8100 A

Traction motors:

• 6 1TB2830 AC motors mounted 3 each on 2 HTCR-2 Radial Self Steering trucks.
• Gearing - 83:16
• Wheel Size - 45 In
• Maximum Speed - 75MPH

References

• Electo-Motive Division of General Motors (1996). SD80MAC Operator's Manual 1st Edition February 1996. Electo-Motive Division of General Motors.
• Myers, Lance (2005). Conrail Cadillacs: The SD80MAC Accessed on December 2, 2005.