Proto 2000 Series 21168 SD9 w/ Dynamic Brake Locomotive HO Scale Trains C&NW #1721

Proto 2000 Series 21168 SD9 w/ Dynamic Brake Locomotive HO Scale Trains C&NW #1721.

Unrivaled Accuracy:
Functional drop steps.
See-through steps and foot boards.
See-through fan grills with visible blades.
Windshield wipers.
Working cab doors.
Finely crafted handrails.
Over 135 factory-applied and 11 optional detail parts.

Exceptional Performance:
Heavy diecast chassis for maximum tractive effort.
DC motor with superrite anisotropic magnets.
Sintered bronze oilless bearings.
5 pole, skew-wound armature motor with low amp draw.
All-wheel drive and all-wheel electrical pick-up.
Dual machined brass flywheels.
Precisely meshed worm gear and spur teeth for silent running.
Frame-mounted universal coupler pockets.

Outstanding Realism:
Detailed cab interior with engineer and fireman.
Laser-quality paint schemes and decoration.
Constant and directional lighting and lighted number boards.
As appropriate to the prototype road: Dynamic Brakes, Steam Generators, Sun Shades, Winterization Hatch, Rerail Frogs and All-Weather Cab Windows.

DCC ready with NMRA compatible plug.

The 1750 horsepower SD9 was introduced by EMD in January of 1954 as the successor to their original six-axle freight locomotive offering, the 1500 horsepower SD7. EMD sold 188 SD7's between 1952 and 1954 and 469 SD9's in the five years between its introduction and 1959, when the brought out the SD18 and SD24.

The SD9 was originally developed in response to the horsepower race between locomotive manufacturers at that time. Fairbanks Morse was the largest contender by far with a 2400 horsepower locomotive. Even though the SD9 had more horsepower than the SD7, it could not compete with the competition's power. However, it did have a great competitive advantage; it was reliable and used many of the same parts as other locomotives.

Unlike higher powered engines, SD9's rarely needed maintenance and when they did, they were easily fixed with parts that owners had in inventory. So while other locomotives were off the road being serviced, SD9's were out making money. SD9's began to have greater appeal when owners realized that a locomotive out on the road was worth far more than one witting in a repair yard.

Besides having greater horsepower, the SD9 was equipped with the same V-16 567 B engine and smooth riding flexicoil 6-wheel trucks as the SD7. On the exterior, the SD9 and SD7 were strikingly similar in appearance. A main distinguishing factor is that the SD7 had classification lights on the access doors, while the SD9's classification lights are located on the edges of the hood ends. The two locomotives can also be distinguished by their handrail stanchions, step walls and ladders.

Both SD9's and SD7s offered customized features that customers could order. Options that could be added included steam generators, winterization hatches, dynamic brakes, rerail frogs, sun shades and all-weather cab windows.

There were four phases of the SD9 in all. SP was the largest producer by a landslide, acquiring 149 locomotives. CB&Q came in second with 80, and DM&IR was a close third with 74.

The PROTO 2000 SD9 brings to life this remarkable locomotive with all the fine detailing and performance extras you've come to expect from PROTO 2000.