CSX's Flared SD70 Overhauls

Happy 2024, railfans! Today we're going to take a look at my personal favorite locomotive build, the Flared Radiator SD70MAC, and loosely discuss the rebuilding program that CSX has undertaken in their Huntington, West Virginia locomotive shop, that is allowing these locomotives to continue earning a keep for the railroad. Throughout my journey to capture some of these engines, we'd make it far beyond the Sunshine State into foreign territory, such that even includes a return trip to Folkston, Georgia. Follow along with this nearly 40 minute compilation of a 2 month, multi-state adventure. That said, I hope y’all get something out of today's video, perhaps that be a laugh, some new information, or just some general enjoyment.
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I’m just doing what I love and it’s always nice to share that with people who share those interests. In the end, whatever I’m producing is meant for trainwatchers and railroad enthusiasts of all ages.
Thanks for Watching!!!

[@Michiganrailfan]

Sd70macs are my favorite locomotives. CSX deserves an A+ for this rebuild program. It's incredible. Expect 200 more flared SD70MACs to be put on the rails. I also love that horn at 12:10. It's music to me

[@kotabeaner]

I most definitely agree. As I may’ve said, they’re my personal favorite loco model…for better or worse perhaps. I’m looking forward to what else they’ll have in store.

[@markantony3875]

It is either upgrade what they have, or buy more less fuel efficient Tier 4 locomotives. The only way they are going to have more fuel efficient Tier 4 locomotives is dump the EGR valve and use DEF, but the RRs have made it clear they do not want to deal with DEF unless they are forced to. So everything is getting upgraded now, including old 40-2s.

[@mikedurhan9941]

Thanks, Dakota. That was a good one..........

[@kotabeaner]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend………

[@kennethfuller8347]

I've been a railfan for many years, and the SD's have always been my favorite. I've read a few articles and watched several where the engineers complained that the SD70's were noisy and uncomfortable, and were dubbed "thunder cabs", but apparently they're a reliable "work horse" because CSX, and NS, have quite a few still in service on their rosters. Most of 'em I see in service are heritage units, or used for DPU's . So I think it's great that they're being overhauled/upgraded for lead units again. I just found your channel, Kota, and you do a great job documenting this. I look forward to seeing what's next .. Thank you.

[@kotabeaner]

Well, thank you very much! As I said, these Flared Radiator EMD’s are my personal favorite as well. I’ve heard all of the backlash that crews give them about being “junk” or less enjoyable to run, and while I can’t speak upon their experiences in any metric as I’ve never operated, or even rode in one myself, I’ve also heard that they’re nice locomotives, and ride just fine. So some like them, some don’t - same goes for the spectators.

[@multicolorfilms]

that shot at jesup was clean bro nice footage as always (I need the 045 clip)

[@kotabeaner]

Uh huh. Thanks guy….spam me later this week about and I’ll get it to you.

[@ERICMANN71]

Only 4 axle motors are prohibited from being online with an AC leader. An SD40-2, like here, will always be online, unless not needed for tonnage.

[@kotabeaner]

Ah, huh, never knew that. Thanks for that information!

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

I knew this would be a good one, looking forward to catching my first one whenever I get the opportunity during a future visit to home territory. And based on my research its estimated at least 80 of the total 130 flared MAC's will be rebuilt (with about 25-30 done already) so combined with the 4500 flat radiator series the SD70's are definitely in a resurgence era on CSX.

[@kotabeaner]

That baffles me that you of all people haven’t seen one of these yet…LOL Anywho…it’ll be worth the wait. It’d be real nice if the Bone Valley got a few back…

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

@@kotabeaner hey I have a valid excuse lol. Aka moving west before the first one got released…

[@roballen5670]

I just seen 4568 Operation life saver 50th anniversary in Pittsburgh Pa yesterday. Love those old SD70 series. Great to see the Class 1 railroads upgrading those old soldiers. Great video.

[@kotabeaner]

Thank You! I’m glad they’re keeping these running too. Best of luck to all of us, to seeing more of these very soon.

[@trains2057]

* saw my fellow drinker

[@RailfanBrettRailfanning]

Very nice CSX Flared catch sir great video

[@kotabeaner]

Thank you my friend

[@Major_Tom98]

Very good narrating voice, made this video enjoyable to watch.

[@natgass8102]

just found your channel and liked the way you narrate and and the information you share!

[@kotabeaner]

Well, thank you very much! I hope to have plenty more soon. Good to know you’ll be there!

[@CSXF40PH-2Productions]

nice catch!

[@MissouriRails]

This might be one of the most entertaining videos I've ever watched

[@Athenstrainman]

I love MACS too ❤

[@OwnedBucketTheBucketMan]

Would you ever consider making a video all about rail photography? The picture you got at 20:32 was amazing, and it’d be really great if you could share some tips and tricks! :)

[@kotabeaner]

Perhaps I should, I really appreciate that. I’m probably not the wisest person to get photography advice from, considering I hardly follow most of the ‘rules’ that surround photography unless they come to mind or fit a certain scenario. However, if there are enough people who would want my input on the subject, I’d definitely consider making a video on my techniques or thought processes.

[@railfanmicahturner]

How neat, to see a M693 down south! 692/693 are major manifests in my area up here on the Big Sandy sub, several videos of which on my channel, based around Pikeville, just south of Russel. New subscriber here, really enjoyed this!

[@kotabeaner]

Thank you sir! That’s neat to hear, especially since we just recently visited the Clinchfield line around Kingsport and Johnson City, where M693 can be less than 2,000 feet if you catch them in the right spot…same thing with 692. Kingsport seems to be most of that train’s makeup beyond that point.

[@Messicrafter]

M693/692 is sometimes the troublesome two of the clinchfield, on its 275 mile run over the clinchfield that pair can create some chaos. lol

[@kennyt1674]

Mine is The SD40-2 and the ex conrail C40-8W

[@sowegarailproductions4089]

My boy! You never miss!

[@kotabeaner]

You help with a lot of it pal, always appreciate a brother for that…👊🏼

[@sowegarailproductions4089]

@@kotabeaner For sure bro!💯💪🏾

[@RAtheGoodRailfanner_888]

So excited!

[@tsrtrainproductions]

Killer video as always love the video angles you got here

[@kotabeaner]

Always appreciated my friend!

[@tsrtrainproductions]

@@kotabeaner no problem anytime

[@larryrusseauii4921]

Very well narrated, just subscribed.

[@kotabeaner]

Thank you very much!

[@BNSFBishop]

Another lit video man! Unfortunately an idiot at 21:38 got in your shot 😡. Jk nice meeting ya again brother, even if was briefly. Yeah that M693 was fun and difficult to chase haha, and 4757 has finally been repainted since then, left Waycross December 26. Till next time! This video was very good, and I like the documentation you did about the Brunswick sub as well, these days if there’s no SBs, dispatch just sends NBs up north the Jesup.

[@kotabeaner]

Well, good to know. I figured it was something along those lines for the Brunswick. I enjoyed getting together again, even after y’all abandoned me at Waycross…anywho…it was a good deal. We’ll do it again soon brother, promise you that.👊🏼

[@calerail9558]

Just subscribed because of the great videography and narration, keep up the great work! This channel definitely deserves more subscribers

[@NortheasternRailroads]

Nice catches I’ve only seen so far the ones that are fiat not the flared out of those Huntington shops yet but I enjoy seeing the amount of SD70AC that I’ve seen matter a fact I’ve got a video of a couple of them

[@kotabeaner]

Best of luck on seeing some of them. I know they’re still in the process of rebuilding quite a few.

[@colefd]

Hey Man, just finding your page. The technicals are great and I'm familliar with your partner's work. You guys are cool to work together. Your narration is like a sports cast, and the videos/audios bring it home. You have a broad and varied acumen with a great understanding of a very complex industry. Thanks and cheers from JAX.

[@kotabeaner]

Hahaha, I like that evaluation. I’ll try my best to keep it that way. Considering that I now partly work in the industry, and plan to pursue it further, I better know a thing or two…ha!

[@spoiler539]

Dakota has a good taste in locomotives.

[@nicolep1805]

Yay Good job!

[@kotabeaner]

Why, most appreciated ma’am..

[@southerntierrailfanproduct5610]

Awesome video Kota!! That shot of 4713 ripping under that overpass and through the tree tunnel was really sweet. Still have yet to run into one of these on csx, waiting for the privilege however. Hope all is well with the rail museum as well.

[@kotabeaner]

Thank you very much! I enjoyed getting all of these videos together. The railroad museum is doing well…we’ve had a few mechanical projects on our hands, one including the 8330. We’re also prepping for our first annual Valentines Day train coming next weekend.

[@electroscribe]

Have liked flared radiators since I watched Southern Pacific SD45s roaring through the San Fernando Valley back in The Day (when Espee still ran ‘em with full Gyralight packages.)

[@RDC2003]

I caught #4753 leading SB I158. Funny enough, I saw the exact same unit trailing on a NB manifest.

[@metronorthrailfan2244]

That was a really nice catch of empty potash train B240. I especially loved the CN foreign power. And if I understand potash is another type of fertilizer just like phosphate?

[@kotabeaner]

It was quite the surprise for me too. Potash, like phosphate, is a nutrient rich substance that is often used as an ingredient in fertilizers. Though, it can be used as a fertilizer by itself in the right conditions due to its nutritional content.

[@metronorthrailfan2244]

@@kotabeaner That would make sense. Another difference between the potash and phosphate trains is that for potash, it's southbound loads and northbound empties where it is the opposite for phosphate with it being northbound loads and southbound empties

[@kotabeaner]

Well, considering that Potash in extracted in Canada, and Phosphorus is extracted in Florida, I suppose that’s the only way that could work.

[@metronorthrailfan2244]

@@kotabeaner I just find it fascinating how phosphate is opposite of most unit trains like grain and ethanol as well as crude oil, at least up here, and molten sulfur since those commodities come from foreign railroads.

[@MrVideoman777]

4757's new plow looks great

[@railfanlynx]

That intro slaps

[@Ldybelladonna]

Another well put together and informative video. I do have a question: When is the best times to catch the juice coming out of Bradenton ? And side note you did a good job on Dicky rd. I went there a couple of weekends ago to watch the museum train go through.

[@kotabeaner]

Thank You very much! I appreciate that…as I am now an employee of the museum, I most appreciate you paying us a visit. As for the ‘Juice Train’, I’m almost a novice on its operational process now, since so much has changed in the last year or two. I will say though, generally, they should be coming southward into Bradenton anywhere between 7 and 9am, and returning northwards around 9 - 11am. Best of luck! Feel free to ask me any other questions you may have on the matter.

[@Ldybelladonna]

Tks

[@davidwhiting1761]

MACs and Ms are two different model designations. M simply designates a locomotive with the wide comfort cab (now standard cab), like an SD60M vs a standard SD60, SD75M vs SD75i (isolated/quiet cab), etc.. MAC designates a locomotive with the wide cab AND is equipped with AC traction, hence SD70M simply a DC powered SD70 with wide cab and an SD70MAC is an AC powered SD70M.

[@Weseisw]

Im a huge fan❤❤

[@ThatModelGuyGA]

An awesome video as always!! btw what camera do you use? it looks great.

[@kotabeaner]

Thank you very much! I use the Sony A7IV. I often find myself having to switch lenses depending on the conditions of a shot, but obviously, it’s worth the extra effort…haha. Sony has never failed to deliver ever since I started using them for videography.

[@flrails2804]

#IWT at 28:45

[@kotabeaner]

Glad you waited 3 months and watched 38 minutes of video to leave this comment.

[@flrails2804]

@@kotabeanerno problem lol, good stuff as always

[@GenX-Gamore]

Ran across another video uploaded and person uploading had mensioned the recording unit is "Tascam Portacapture X8 32-bit float Portable Audio Field Recorder" iif you could afford it and get better audio mixing, ya videos would be that much gbetter, also a dead cat would help in the listening of ya videos.

[@multicolorfilms]

pin this no balls

[@DavidLeon140m3]

Too bad that they wasn't ballasted like the BN/BNSF ones

[@kotabeaner]

Perhaps they were…like I said, I never got a full list of everything done to the locomotives, most of my comments were visible observations or inferences based on general rebuild practices. If I ask around about it, those who’d know would rather complain about how poor a ride or quaility a locomotive it is.

[@bigduffone]

Always thought the name CSX was dull and stupid. Should go back to Seaboard System. They will be made to when I become the new Dictator of the United States. I’m also going to pick track all over the US for my personal playground in my presidential train. LOL 😅

[@kotabeaner]

Can’t wait, my friend…🤣

[@DaniKintana]

Blindly subscribed best decision!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@kotabeaner]

Much appreciated! I’ll certainly try.