MTH announced its latest run of Norfolk Southern SD60E diesel locomotives in November 2024 and they arrived in late summer 2025. This version, much like its predecessor, features DCS and Proto-Sound 3.0. After nine years (the last run was in 2016), these models have become challenging to find. For those with an affinity for the modern NS, the SD60E is a must-have diesel for your fleet. [Read a review of the 2016 version from Bob Keller. — Ed.]
The SD60E is the brainchild of the Norfolk Southern (ex-Pennsylvania RR) Juniata shops outside Altoona, Pa. Leaning into the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” since 2010, Norfolk Southern took older SD60 locomotives and enhanced them, hence the “E” suffix in the model designation. Among the upgrades were improved efficiency and power, crash protection, electronics, and lower emissions. The Crescent cab, with its extended sun visor, was one of the signature features of the SD60E. By the time the rebuild program ended in 2019, a total of 135 SD60E diesel locomotives were completed.
An offering of strictly Norfolk Southern locomotives at the surface may not seem like an exciting announcement, unless you’re a fan of monochromatic diesel locomotives. However, some SD60E diesels were painted in special schemes by NS, including the 911 “Honoring First Responders” (No. 20-21956) with a red cab and banner, as well as the 6920 “Honoring Our Veterans” (No. 20-21957) with a dark blue cab.
Norfolk Southern 6963, the GoRail unit (No. 20-21958), is easy to spot with its bright green brow, cab roof, and front pilot. The unit further stands out because it has the NS herald on the cab side; blue-and-green GoRail lettering and graphics are applied to the long hood on both sides.
If you want a standard NS engine, look no further; MTH offers four cab numbers of the standard black and white schemes (Nos. 20-21959, 20-21960, 20-21961, 20-21962).
The model measures 18⅜ inches long. Compared to the prototype at 71 feet 2 inches, the model comes in just over scale at 1:46.5. This six-axle model can navigate O-42 curves, making it a great option for nearly any size layout.
Arriving in standard 3-rail, the SD60E comes with an onboard DCC/DCS decoder and Kadee coupler mounting pads, the latter making it convertible to 2-rail operation. Other standard features we’ve come to expect on Premier line models are incorporated on the SD60E, including an ABS body with factory-applied detail parts; front and rear Proto-Couplers; light-emitting-diode lighting; dual flywheel motors; crew figures; a metal chassis; and die-cast metal truck sideframes, pilots, and fuel tank. Like the prototype, the model also has front and rear ditch lights. A modeler-installed snowplow (with mounting screws) is also included.
I purchased Norfolk Southern No. 6928 (No. 20-21959) from TrainWorld. The model is neatly painted in Norfolk Southern’s black-and-white Thoroughbred scheme. The color separation lines are crisp, even on the yellow step faces, which I find is typically where it can appear sloppy.
The large Positive Train Control (PTC) antennas on the cab roof are painted black to match the rest of the locomotive. The PTC antennas are yellow on NS 911 and gray on NS 6920. Among the details on the long hood are see-through radiator fans with rotating fan blades, a separately applied horn, and eyebolts. The exhaust is powered by a fan driven smoke unit, which like other MTH stacks, creates a large plume of smoke almost immediately after start up!
The model weighs 5 pounds, 7.4 ounces and has a pulling power of 2.2 pounds. That’s plenty of oomph to pull a long consist of modern freight on its own.
Overall, this is a fantastic model from MTH. The SD60E would look good on its own leading a freight, or pair it up with other modern road units for even longer trains. The MTH SD60E has an MSRP of $692.95, an increase from $499.95 in 2016.
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
MTH Premier SD60E diesel locomotive (No. 20-21959)
Features: Proto-Sound 3.0, onboard DCC/DCS decoder, smoke unit, front and rear ditch lights, front and rear Proto-Couplers, O-42 operation, illuminated number boxes, directional light-emitting-diode headlights, detachable snowplow, rotating radiator fan blades
Roadnames: See text
MSRP: $692.95
Website: mthtrains.com
