The first locomotives will be delivered in the second quarter and the remainder will be delivered over the next five years. If all options are exercised, the total value of the contract could reach $A 400m. All key components and systems have been designed and manufactured by EMD, with Downer EDI carrying out final assembly in Australia.
The SD70ACe/LCi is the low-clearance version of EMD's successful SD70Ace design. BHP Billiton ordered its first batch of SD70Ace/LCs for the Pilbara network in 2004 and 74 units have been delivered so far.
The locomotives are powered by EMD's 16-710 diesel engine, which is rated at 3.21MW. The engine and cooling system have been specially adapted to operate at the high ambient temperatures in the region.
