View source for EMD SD9

{{short description|North American diesel–electric locomotive class}}
{{refimprove|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox Locomotive
| name = EMD SD9
| image = BN6234JSRH.jpg
| caption = Burlington Northern SD9 #6234.
| powertype = Diesel-electric
| gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| builder = [[Electro-Motive Diesel|General Motors Electro-Motive Division]] (EMD)
| builddate = January 1954 &ndash; June 1959
| buildmodel = SD9
| primemover = [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]] [[EMD 567|16-567C]]
| enginetype = [[V16 engine|V16]] [[Diesel engine|diesel]]
| cylindercount = 16
| poweroutput = {{convert|1750|hp|MW|2|abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{convert|65|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}
| fuelcap = {{convert|1200|or|2400|usgal|abbr=on}}
| wheeldiameter = {{convert|40|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| aarwheels = C-C
| wheelbase = {{convert|48|ft|7|in|m|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|60|ft|8.5|in|m|1|abbr=on}}
| lubecap = {{convert|200|gal|L|0|abbr=on}}
| sandcap = {{convert|50|cuft|m3|abbr=on}}
| boiler = Vapor-Clarkson Steam Boiler OK4625
| totalproduction = 515
| disposition = Many have been rebuilt, and are still in service.
| notes = References:<ref name="bachand">{{cite web |last1=Bachand |first1=Jean-Denis |title=EMD SD9 |url=https://www.thedieselshop.us/Data%20EMD%20SD9.HTML |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331173704/https://www.thedieselshop.us/Data%20EMD%20SD9.HTML |archive-date=2022-03-31 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=The Diesel Shop}}</ref>
}}

The '''EMD SD9''' is a model of [[diesel locomotive]] built by [[Electro-Motive Diesel|General Motors Electro-Motive Division]] between January 1954 and June 1959. An [[EMD 567C]] 16-[[cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] engine generated {{convert|1750|hp|MW|2}}. Externally similar to its predecessor, the [[EMD SD7|SD7]], the SD9 was built with the improved and much more maintainable 567C engine.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=EMD SD9 |url=https://www.thedieselshop.us/EMD-SD9.HTML |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.thedieselshop.us}}</ref>

471 SD9s were built for [[United States|American]] railroads, while a further 44 were produced for export.<ref name=":0" />

Many SD9s both high and short hood can still be found in service today on shortline railroads and industrial operators.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Re-purposed SD9 |url=https://dieselshop.us/SD9finale.HTML |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=dieselshop.us}}</ref> Although most Class 1 roads stopped using these locomotives by the 1970s and 1980s, some remain in rebuilt form on some major [[Class I railroad]]s, as switcher locomotives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SP Rebuild Programs |url=https://utahrails.net/sp/sp-r8-grip.php |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=utahrails.net}}</ref>

== History ==
The SD9 was the second model of EMD's SD (special duty) line of locomotives, following the SD7. Just as the SD7 was a lengthened [[EMD GP7|GP7]] with two additional axles, the SD9 was a corresponding modification of the [[EMD GP9|GP9]]. The additional axles in SD series locomotives provide more tractive effort and more even distribution of locomotive weight compared to the four axle GP series locomotives.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Schafer|first=Mike|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/38738930|title=Vintage diesel locomotives|date=1998|publisher=Motorbooks International|isbn=0-7603-0507-2|location=Osceola, WI|pages=36–37|oclc=38738930}}</ref>

SD9s can be distinguished from the similar looking SD7s by observing the position of the classification lights on the ends of the locomotive, above the number board. The SD9's classification lights are on a small pod, canted outward, while the SD7's classification lights are closer to the centerline and flush with the hood.<ref name="marre-1995">{{Cite book|last=Marre|first=Louis A.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34531120|title=Diesel locomotives : the first 50 years : a guide to diesels built before 1972|date=1995|publisher=Kalmbach Pub. Co|isbn=0-89024-258-5|location=Waukesha, WI|pages=66–67|oclc=34531120}}</ref> 

The last phase of construction had a carbody similar to the [[EMD SD18|SD18]] and [[EMD SD24|SD24]], and used two {{convert|48|in|0|adj=on}} cooling fans instead of four {{convert|36|in|0|adj=on}} cooling fans.

EMD ended SD9 production in June 1959. It was succeeded by the [[EMD SD18|SD18]] which began production in 1960.

== Variants ==

=== SD9s ===
EMD produced a lightweight variant of the SD9, named the '''SD9s'''. This locomotive had its weight reduced for service on lighter tracks with modifications such as a smaller fuel tank.<ref name="marre-1995" />

=== SD9E ===
Between August 1970 and March 1980, the [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company]] had rebuilt 144 of their units into EMD SD9E locomotives under their own rebuild program known as the General Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (G.R.I.P). 142 of their rebuilt units were renumbered as 4300-4441 and two additional rebuilt units being renumbered as 4450 and 4451. These 142 units were also reclassified as EF618E-1, with their two units #4450 and #4451 as EF618E-2, which had left six other SD9 locomotives un-rebuilt.<ref>{{Harvp|Withers|1996|p=36}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SP Rebuild Programs |url=https://utahrails.net/sp/sp-r8-grip.php#from-r8-to-grip |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=utahrails.net}}</ref>

=== SD9m ===
[[File:Norfolk and Western 2349 (16030220411).jpg|thumb|N&W SD9m #2349]]
The SD9m was a rebuild from [[EMD SD7|SD7s]] and SD9s mostly by [[Norfolk Southern Railway]]. NS rebuilt a total of ten units and used them in service between 1989 and 2010.

== Original buyers ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Railroad !! Quantity !! Road numbers !! Notes
|-
|[[Electro-Motive Division]] (demonstrator)
|style="text-align:center;"| 1
|style="text-align:center;"| 5591
| to Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range 110
|-
|[[Atlanta and St. Andrews Bay Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 3
|style="text-align:center;"| 503–505
|
|-
|[[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 10
|style="text-align:center;"| 765–774
|
|-
|[[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 80
|style="text-align:center;"| 325–374, 430–459
| 300s had steam generators. To [[Burlington Northern]] 6127-6206
|-
|[[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]] ([[Colorado and Southern Railway|C&S]])
|style="text-align:center;"| 23
|style="text-align:center;"| 820–842
| To Burlington Northern 6215-6237

6234 preserved 
|-
|[[Central of Georgia Railway]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 6
|style="text-align:center;"| 202–207
|
|-
|[[Chicago and Illinois Midland Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 5
|style="text-align:center;"| 50–54
|
|-
|[[Chicago and North Western Railway]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 14
|style="text-align:center;"| 1701–1710, 1721–1724
| Fitted for Chicago commuter service
|-
|[[Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 14
|style="text-align:center;"| 2224–2237
| Renumbered 530-543
|-
|[[Chile Exploration]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 5
|style="text-align:center;"| 901–905
|[[Track gauge]]?
|-
|[[Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 73
|style="text-align:center;"| 101–109, 111–174
| 129–130 had steam generators
|-
|[[Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 10
|style="text-align:center;"| 5305–5314
|
|-
|[[Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 3
|style="text-align:center;"| 600–602
|
|-
|[[Great Northern Railway (U.S.)|Great Northern Railway]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 27
|style="text-align:center;"| 573–599
| To Burlington Northern 6100-6126
|-
|[[Korail]] (Korea)
|style="text-align:center;"| 29
|style="text-align:center;"| 101–129
| Later renumbered 5001-5029
|-
|[[New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad]] (“Nickel Plate Road”)
|style="text-align:center;"| 20
|style="text-align:center;"| 340–359
|
|-
|[[Orinoco Mining]] (Venezuela)
|style="text-align:center;"| 10
|style="text-align:center;"| 1011–1020
|
|-
|[[Pennsylvania Railroad]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 25
|style="text-align:center;"| 7600–7624
|
|-
|[[Reserve Mining]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 6
|style="text-align:center;"| 1220–1225
|To [[Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad]]
|-
|[[Soo Line Railroad|Soo Line]] ([[Wisconsin Central Railroad (1954-1961)|Wisconsin Central Railroad]])
|style="text-align:center;"| 1
|style="text-align:center;"| 2381
|
|-
|[[Southern Pacific Company]]
|style="text-align:center;"| 150
|style="text-align:center;"| 5340–5444, 5449–5493
|5340–5391 had steam generators
|-
! Total !! 515 !! !!
|}

== Preservation ==
{{main|List of preserved EMD SD9 locomotives}}
[[File:PNWR 1852 on March 30th, 2022.jpg|thumb|PNWR 1852 in Albany, Oregon]]
[[File:AERC 5399 in Albany, Oregon.jpg|thumb|AERC 5399 in Albany, Oregon]]
Some SD9 locomotives can be found in museums and on tourist lines, and at least two are in service on a working railroad.

*[[BNSF Railway|BNSF]] #1550 is preserved at the [[Lake Superior Railroad Museum]], having been donated by BNSF in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 April 2022 |title=BNSF Donates SD9 to Lake Superior Railroad Museum |url=https://railfan.com/bnsf-donates-sd9-to-lake-superior-railroad-museum/}}</ref> It is classified as an SD9-3.
*BNSF #6125 (ex-GN #598) is preserved at the Inland Northwest Rail Museum at [[Reardan, Washington]], having been donated in 2020. It is being restored into its original [[Great Northern Railway (U.S.)|Great Northern]] appearance.
*[[Burlington Northern Railroad|Burlington Northern]] #6139 is preserved and operational on the [[Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad]].
*Burlington Northern #6234 (ex-[[Colorado and Southern Railway|Colorado & Southern]] #839) is preserved and operational at the [[Minnesota Transportation Museum]]. It now operates on the museum's [[Osceola and St Croix Valley Railway]]. #6234 is an example of the last variation of SD9 locomotives produced, which used the [[EMD SD18|SD18]] carbody.
*Great Northern #599 is preserved by the Inland Northwest Rail Museum in [[Reardan, Washington]]. It will undergo a cosmetic restoration, with mechanical parts used for the restoration of #598. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Franz |first=Justin |date=2023-02-15 |title=Inland Northwest Rail Museum Acquires Two Rare Diesels |url=https://railfan.com/inland-northwest-rail-museum-acquires-two-rare-diesels/ |access-date=2024-03-09 |website=Railfan & Railroad Magazine |language=en-CA}}</ref>
*[[Korail]] 5025 is only preserved SD9 in Korea, plinthed in front of {{ill|Daejeon MPD|ko|대전철도차량정비단}}, along single [[EMD G12|G12]] 4102. Both engines worked for construction of [[Korea Train Express]] [[Gyeongbu high-speed railway|Gyeongbu section]] as [[departmental vehicle|departmental vehicles]] after their retirement on Korail.
*[[Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad|Milwaukee Road]] #532 is preserved and operational at the [[Whitewater Valley Railroad]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whitewater Valley Railroad - MILW 532 |url=http://www.whitewatervalleyrr.org/roster/?op=details&id=6&cat=diesel&sid=f2c3c8f9ad351e3e36b3e52ebd3f1e5f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721001810/http://www.whitewatervalleyrr.org/roster/?op=details&id=6&cat=diesel&sid=f2c3c8f9ad351e3e36b3e52ebd3f1e5f |archive-date=2011-07-21}}</ref>
*[[Nevada Northern Railway]] #204 (ex-SP #4426) is preserved and operational at the [[Nevada Northern Railway Museum]] in [[Ely, Nevada]], and will soon be repainted and renumbered to #250 to celebrate the [[United States Semiquincentennial]] in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franz |first=Justin |date=2024-07-02 |title=Nevada Northern Selects Paint Semiquincentennial Scheme for SD9 |url=https://railfan.com/nevada-northern-selects-paint-semiquincentennial-scheme-for-sd9/ |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=Railfan & Railroad Magazine |language=en-CA}}</ref>
*[[Nickel Plate Road]] #358 is preserved and operational at the [[Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society]]. It has been restored into its original appearance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vantuono |first=William C. |date=2023-07-11 |title=NKP 358 Restoration Nears Finish Line - Railway Age |url=https://www.railwayage.com/mechanical/locomotives/nkp-358-restoration-nears-finish-line/ |access-date=2024-05-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-11 |title=NKP SD9 returned to as-built appearance by Progress Rail |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/nkp-sd9-returned-to-as-built-appearance-by-progress-rail/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Trains |language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Norfolk and Western Railway|Norfolk and Western]] #2349 (ex-NKP #349) is preserved at the Mad River & Nickel Plate Railroad Museum. It was donated to the museum in December 2010 by [[Norfolk Southern Railway|Norfolk Southern]].
*[[Portland and Western Railroad]] #1854 is stored in Albany, Oregon. It was retired in February 2024.
*[[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] #4404 is preserved on the [[Pend Oreille Valley Railroad]] in [[Usk, Washington]].
*Southern Pacific #5399 is preserved on the [[Albany and Eastern Railroad|Albany & Eastern Railroad]] (AERC). Restored to SP's "Black Widow" paint scheme, it is used for both freight and passenger service.
*Southern Pacific #5472 is preserved and operational on the [[Niles Canyon Railway]]
*[[Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad|Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad]] #1221 is operational on their shortline railroad serving Michigan's Upper Peninsula and NE Wisconsin

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |last=Withers |first=Paul K. |title=Diesel Era November/December 1996, Vol 7 No.6 |publisher=Withers Publishing |year=1996}}
* {{Pinkepank diesel spotters guide 2}}
* Sarberenyi, Robert. ''[http://www.trainweb.org/jaydeet/sd9.htm EMD SD9 Original Owners]''. Retrieved on August 27, 2006
* Komanesky, John.  ''[http://www.thedieselshop.us/PRSVDemdOthers.HTML Preserved EMD Locomotives]''. Retrieved on May 18, 2009

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|EMD SD9 locomotives}}

{{EMD SDs}}
{{Korail rolling stock}}

[[Category:Electro-Motive Division locomotives|SD09]]
[[Category:C-C locomotives]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of South Korea]]
[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1954]]
[[Category:Freight locomotives]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge locomotives of South Korea]]
[[Category:Baltimore and Ohio locomotives]]
[[Category:Chicago and North Western Railway locomotives]]
[[Category:Chicago, Burlington and Quincy locomotives]]
[[Category:Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad locomotives]]
[[Category:Great Northern Railway (United States) locomotives]]
[[Category:Milwaukee Road locomotives]]
[[Category:Nickel Plate Road locomotives]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives]]
[[Category:Southern Pacific Railroad locomotives]]