Review by George Riley/photos by the author
General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division introduced the SD70 series of six-axle, heavy-haul freight locomotives in 1992. Production continues today under Progress Rail as Electro-Motive Diesel. Over that time, the SD70 family has grown to include 13 variants, along with several rebuild and upgrade programs, with more than 5,700 units constructed for domestic and international service.
Among these, the SD70ACe has proven to be the most successful variant, with approximately 2,400 examples produced since its debut in 2004. These locomotives are powered by a 16-cylinder 710G3C-ES prime mover rated at 4,300 horsepower, driving six alternating current traction motors. Designed for both heavy freight and higher-speed service, they are geared for operation up to 70 mph. The “e” designation reflects a suite of enhanced electronics and computer control systems, improving reliability, diagnostics, and overall performance. The entire package rides on EMD’s proven HTCR-4 trucks equipped with 42-inch wheelsets, contributing to the locomotive’s sure-footed performance under load.
In November 2019, Canadian Pacific Railway unveiled a series of specially painted SD70ACu locomotives honoring branches of the Canadian and United States armed forces. Among the most visually distinctive was CP 6644, finished in a camouflage scheme inspired by Royal Canadian Air Force Spitfires flown during the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Atlas has brought several of these commemorative units to market in its Premier line; our review sample, CP 7023, honors the Canadian and U.S. Air Forces with a contemporary military-inspired finish.
Painted in light ghost gray with darker gray along the roofline and upper hood, the paint scheme echoes that of modern military aircraft. A black anti-glare panel and walkways complete the look. The finish is opaque and cleanly applied, with crisp lettering and graphics that match prototype photos and remain clearly legible. The result is a striking and fitting tribute in O scale.
Atlas’ rendition of the SD70ACe delivers the level of detail expected from a top-tier 1:48 locomotive. Factory-installed metal grab irons, handrails, lift rings, and stanchions are all neatly executed. Additional features include operable cab doors and a detailed cab interior with an engineer figure. Overall assembly is precise and clean.
Key spotting features of the prototype — including the angular North American safety cab with its dual rectangular windshields and the large flared radiator section with twin 54-inch cooling fans — are accurately captured. The model reflects the imposing presence of the prototype, measuring approximately 18½ inches in length and weighing about 7 lbs. Two-rail versions feature scale-profile wheelsets, while three-rail models are equipped with deeper flanges. Both are built to ¼-inch scale…
