Does anyone know why Norfolk Southern is testing a Union Pacific demo SD70ACe-T4? I find it weird that Norfolk Southern would use this unit, because all of the Norfolk Southern units have cab mounted headlights.
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These demos are technically built to whatever spec EMD built them to, and are not railroad specific. Once they have completed their demonstration tour, they will be sent back to EMD/Progress to have their UP-specific equipment and decals installed. It wouldn't make sense for EMD to spec a unit just for NS because NS isn't the only road testing these units. As for the headlight in the nose, that has nothing to do with performance and is actually the standard option from both manufacturers.
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They are still in the possession of Progress Rail as demonstrators. UP has first dibs on the initial order hence the paint theme.
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It's not UP yet and probably will demo on many RR's until EMD turns it over to UP for extensive testing. It's somewhat typical for a builder to set up demo units for a specific RR especially if the RR expressed lots of interest in the locomotive.
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Emd painted them yellow because once these units are done testing on other railroads, they will be going to UP as part of there first order of these engines
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