1 July 2004
Trains Magazine
Copyright (c) 2004 Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.

Saudi SDLSOs use a 16-645F3 prime mover rated at 3,500 hp.

Saudi Railways has ordered eight SDL50 locomotives worth approximately $18 million from EMD. The units, to be built at London, Ontario, will be delivered over a 10-month period. They'll augment the railway's existing SDL50 fleet, bringing the Saudi roster to 30 units. The "L" stands for "lightweight." They're designed to operate in a harsh desert climate, with high "snorkel" air inlets and special sealing to keep sand out of traction motors and internal components.

Saudi Railways runs south from the Persian Gulf oil port of Dammam to the capital, Riyadh, 590 miles. The government plans to add 1,500 more miles, a $1.9 billion project to extend the railway from Riyadh across the country through the holy city of Mecca to the port of Jeddah, and from Riyadh north to Al Jamalid, near the border with Iraq and Jordan. Saudi Arabia considers rail less expensive to build than highways, and more efficient to operate.

Saudi Railways has ordered eight SDL50 locomotives worth approximately $18 million from Electro-Motive Division. The units will augment the railway's existing SDL50 fleet, bringing the Saudi roster to 30 units. Additionally, the SDL50 is designed to operate in harsh desert climate, with high "snorkel" air inlets and special sealing to keep sand out of traction motors and internal components.

Copyright Kalmbach Publishing Company Jul 2004

Source: Al-Madina Press (JD/LB/TD)