Railroad Trains for the Soul - EMD 265H Engine

As mentioned in the 10 Commandments of EMD video, the 6,000-horsepower SD90MAC-H is the builder’s second largest diesel locomotive with its 80-foot-long frame. This model essentially has the same length as the 5,000-hp SD80MAC. Both types have a standard six-axle arrangement with six AC traction motors, compared to eight on the double-engined DDA40X, which is a DC locomotive. Most importantly, the SD90 uses a single four-cycle prime mover, the 265H. It sounds significantly different from any previously designed EMD two-cycle engine, probably more like a General Electric four-stroke type. Despite its huge size, the computer-controlled 265H is very easy to start with a simple push button inside the cab. The 1969-built DD40 had its control stand installed to the left of the engineer’s seat; in contrast, all SD90’s had the more electronic desktop control console with two computer screens for monitoring locomotive performance. Listen to the heartbeat of the H engine, an inspiration for the Tier 4 1010J used on today’s EMD products.