EMD "SD28" Locomotives
Published: February 9, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The SD28 is a diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division between for a three-month period in 1965.
It is powered by a non-turbocharged 16-cylinder 567D1 power plant, which can produce 1,800 horsepower. The model was essentially a de-rated SD35 and one the last cataloged with the 567 engine prior to EMD unveiling its upgraded 645 prime mover.
The SD28 is known for its six-axle (C-C) wheel arrangement and was used exclusively for freight service. Ultimately, only six units were produced for Reserve Mining and Columbus & Greenville, making it a very rare model in EMD's catalog.
Photos
Reserve Mining SD28 #1236 was photographed here by Warren Calloway at Babbitt, Minnesota in October, 1991.
Background
The SD28 is revered as a rare jewel in EMD's long line of locomotive creations. The engine holds an important position in the history of designs at La Grange. With a grand total of just six units produced, this locomotive is an attractive prospect to the railfan and locomotive enthusiast for its rarity.
Introduced in the mid-1960s, the SD28 was a de-rated, 1,800 horsepower variant of the SD35. This locomotive is a six-axle road switcher type, created during the transition period between EMD's 567 and 645 series power plants.
The model continued the use of EMD’s reliable and time-tested C-C Flexicoil truck. The three-axle design had already been successfully employed on the SD7, SD9, SD18, and SD24.
The truck was the builder's own design. It was a lightweight, high adhesion platform which offered a surprisingly comfortable ride and easy to maintain. From a maintenance perspective its key trait was the ability to easily access the center-axle, which often had been difficult to reach in other early six-axle trucks.
Spotting Features
As part of the new "35 Line," which introduced a common carbody for all road-switchers, the SD28's prominent features included the Spartan Cab (or Standard Cab), wrap-around walkways, light beveling of the hood, and a generally "clean" appearance.
The low-nose cab provided the defining look for the SD28, and all EMD products in the "35 Line." The SD28 can be difficult to differieniate from a SD35 but its one notable feature is a smaller air intake on the left side of the carbody, just behind the cab.
In addition, it includes no cylindrical roof mounted exhaust fans over the dynamic brake blister while its two rear roof radiator exhaust fans over much closer together than on an SD35.
Reception
By the mid-1960s, railroads were favoring more power over on a single platform. All of EMD's cataloged models at this time sold poorly in comparison to the higher horsepower SD40 (3,000) and SD45 (3,600).
On the Reserve Mining their small fleet of SD28s were utlized in standard heavy drag service while the Columbus & Greenville operated its two examples in general freight service.
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 7/1965 (Reserve Mining #1233) |
| Years Produced | 7/1965 - 9/1965 |
| Engine | 567D1 |
| Engine Builder | GM |
| Horsepower | 1800 |
| RPM | 800 |
| Cylinders | 16 |
| Length | 60' 8" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 15' 8 ½" |
| Width | 10' 3" |
| Weight | 390,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 1200 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WBO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 24L |
| Trucks | C-C |
| Truck Type | Flexicoil |
| Truck Wheelbase | 13' 7" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | D57 (6), GM |
| Primary Generator | D32, GM |
| Auxiliary Generator | Delco (A8102) |
| Steam Generator (SDP28) | Vapor-Clarkson (model AR4125) |
| Alternator | D14 |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
| Gear Ratio | 59:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 97,000 Lbs at 25% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 77,300 Lbs at 9.3 mph |
| Top Speed | 95 mph |
Production Roster
Total Produced = 6
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve Mining | 1233 | 30305 | 5681 | 7/1965 |
| Reserve Mining | 1234-1236 | 30428-30430 | 5681 | 7/1965 |
| Columbus & Greenville | 701-702 | 30704-30705 | 5693 | 9/1965 |
Export
Total Produced = 6
SDP28
| Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Numbers | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean National Railways | 6301-6306 | 31408-31413 | 710481-710486 | 5/1966 |
Interestingly, in 1966 one variant of this model was produced for export, the SDP28 acquired by the Korean National Railways. The model was a standard SD28 with the addition of a steam generator at the rear for passenger service.
In conclusion, the SD28 is a distinct piece in the rich tapestry of American railroading history. Despite its short run and low production numbers, it carries an interesting story of engineering prowess, adaptation, and evolving railroad requirements of the changing times.
It undeniably stands as a testament to EMD's commitment to innovation and efficiency in the ever-evolving world of locomotive design. Today, the SD28 is a fascinating chapter in locomotive history for enthusiasts to delve into and appreciate.
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Schafer, Mike. Vintage Diesel Locomotives. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1998.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
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