EMD® Delivers Three New Locomotives

September 19, 2013--LAGRANGE, Ill. – Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) recently delivered three SD70ACe demonstrator locomotives to the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M), representing the first AC traction locomotives for the independent, Class III railroad. 

A&M operates 139 miles from Fort Smith, Ark., to Monett, Mo., and interchanges with BNSF, Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern Class I railroads. The SD70ACe locomotives are certified for EPA Tier 3 emissions standards, and features include radial trucks and distributed power, in addition to AC traction.

The railroad selected EMD to supply its new locomotives based on the demonstrated performance of the SD70ACe. “To take advantage of AC traction on our mountainous route, we determined the rugged design of the SD70ACe would allow A&M to maintain high fleet availability at low cost. The SD70ACe locomotive is ideal for our operations and will enable A&M to retire several older locomotives, while drastically increasing our hauling capability and efficiency.” said A&M’s Chairman Reilly McCarren.

The 4,300 traction horsepower SD70ACe locomotive integrates EMD’s highly reliable and fuel-efficient 16-cylinder 710 engine, EM2000 microprocessor control system and AC traction. EMD launched the model in 2005 for freight applications in North America and around the world.

“We’re excited to provide the first AC locomotives to be introduced into A&M’s fleet,” said Billy Ainsworth, Progress Rail and EMD Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate the confidence A&M has in EMD and look forward to providing the highest quality locomotives and services to support their operations and the lowest total cost of ownership.”

The locomotives, EMD road numbers 1201-1203, were delivered to A&M from Progress Rail’s Mayfield, Ky., facility. EMD 1201 made its debut at the MINExpo Show in Las Vegas, Nev., last September, painted in Caterpillar® yellow. Modifications at the Mayfield shop included a new, modern paint design reflecting A&M’s corporate colors and renumbering to A&M road numbers 70-72.

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About Progress Rail and Electro-Motive Diesel:

Progress Rail Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is a leading supplier of remanufactured locomotive and railcar products and services to the railroad industry, operating one of the most extensive rail service and supply networks in North America. More than 8,000 employees serve customers in a network of more than 165 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Progress Rail Services is headquartered in Albertville, Ala.

Through the acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail has expanded its network of global locations, furthering a commitment to providing industry-leading products and services. Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel is an original equipment manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Ill., EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and is a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. The company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 72,500 engines and has the largest installed base in both North America and worldwide. EMD also has an extensive aftermarket business offering replacement parts, maintenance solutions and a range of value-added services.

About Caterpillar:

For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2012 sales and revenues of $65.875 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at: http://www.caterpillar.com.

About Arkansas & Missouri:

The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Company is an independent, privately held Class III railroad established in 1986. Providing integrated, multimodal solutions to its customers, A&M serves businesses in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri and connects with BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific. For more information, visit www.amrailroad.com.

Media Contact:

Barbara Jansen
Office: 256.505.5054
bjansen@progressrail.com