9090 Series

SD70ACe

With the advent of new coal contracts across the Gateway System and increasing unit train moves, Gateway Western added newer EMD AC traction motive power in an effort to increase efficiencies and update its motive power which had been mostly early 40 series models. AC traction tech was more rugged, simpler to maintain and suited for heavy haul. The moves included originating coal trains off the Cincinnati &Lake Erie RR (CLE) and Indiana Rail Road (IND) as well as run through coal from the Virginia & Ohio Railroad (VO) via its Kentucky & Ohio Railroad (KO) extension into Cincinnati. Ethanol and grain train count also increased further demanding suitable power. The ex-CSX units were purchased through Progress Rail Group (PRLX) and upgraded to current standards of the time.

Along with ex-UP SD90MACS upgraded to SD70ACU units (internally SD70ACe), these units introduced the new “GATEWAY SYSYEM” scheme along with corporate GATE reporting marks on units regularly used in run-through coal train service with the Georgia Road. Georgia Road encouraged the Gateway System to add locomotives compatible with its own coal pool and since it was a principal owner, assisted in the roster upgrades.