Norfolk Southern Locomotive Spotting Guide

EMD Model Designation

GE Model Designation

Details: Last Updated: 16 October 2022; Hits: 2274

Shout out to Kaylee Zheng whose clinic was the initial data for this cheat sheet!

Example: SD 70 AC

Unit Type

Locomotive Series

Improvement Series

Options/Modifiers

F = Cowl/Monocogue Unit
SW = Switcher
MP = Multi Purpose Switcher
GP = General Purpose (4 axle)
SD = Special Duty (6 axle)

If last digit is 9, then 12 cylinder prime mover; otherwise 16 cylinder.

Exception: T4 locos are 12 cylinders always

(blank) = base version

-1 = EMD reman. program (late 1960s)

-2 EMD reliability improvement series

A = Special Custom Builds
AC = Alternator or AC Traction
M or W = Wide cab
I = Isolated (vibration reducing wide cab)
L = Lightweight frame
P = Passenger/steam heat
H = Head End Power (HEP)
e = Reduced emissions compliant
-T4 = Tier 4 emissions compliant
IAC = Individual Axle Control
P4 [?] = B1-1B wheel arrangement
X = Experimental

GE DASH 9-44CW

GE AC44C6M

GE ES44AC GEVO

GE ET44AC Tier 4 GEVO

EMD SD70ACe

EMD/NS SD60E

RIght Side View

Left Side View

Top View

Front Quarter View

Rear Quarter View

Example: Dash9 44 C W

Locomotive Series

Locomotive HO x 100

Wheel Arrangement per Truck

Options/Modifiers

U = Universal
P = Passenger
Dash8 = Dash 8 Series
Dash9 = Dash 9 Series
AC = AC Traction Series
ES = Evolation Series
ET = Evolution Series, T4 Compliant

For AC series, full HP is written out, although, conventional 2 digit HP indicator is also used interchangeably

C = Cowl Unit
H = Head End Power (HEP)
P = Passenger
Q = Extended Crew Cab
W = Wide Cab

Round One:
Roof Line: Clean	Roof Line: Congested
Fuel Tank: Angular	Fuel Tank: Rounded
Brake Reservoir: Two tanks	Brake Reservoir: Long "Torpedo Tube"
Exhaust stack right before radiator	Exhaust stack towards cab

GE	EMD
Round Two:
Radiator "winged" (except U-boats) GEVO has mini-radiator in front of main radiator GEVO T-4 similar to standard GEVO radiator but massive	Radiator has raised fans: Two large fans - 38 series Three large fans - 40 series Three large fans, angled radiator - 45 series Three large fans, tall radiator screens - 50/60 series Three large fans, tall angled radiator - 70 series Three large fans, chunky angled radiator - 80/90 series Two XL fans, chunky angled radiator - 80/90 series (Ace) Three XL fans, chunky angled radiator - 80/90 series (Ace T-4) Fan Size: Large = 48"; XL = 54"
more to come