The prototype 3,500-hp SD50 was introduced in November 1984 as part of Electro-Motive Division’s “50 series” line. Additional information on the prototype SD50s can be found in Greg McDonnell’s Field Guide to Modern Diesel Locomotives (Kalmbach Publishing Co.).
The model comes assembled and ready to run except for couplers. To prevent shipping damage, a heavy plastic bracket is attached to each coupler pad with a screw. It’s easy to remove the screws, pull the brackets out, and replace them with the coupler box assemblies.
Four screws and the coupler boxes attach the body to the chassis. There is a single screw at each end just inside the coupler boxes and two more are behind the fuel tank under the inner end of the rear truck. Be careful to disconnect the handrails from the cab before you lift off the body.
A few optional detail parts are packed separately. Most of these items have pins that will fit into small holes the modeler must drill in the body shell.
An article and prototype drawings of the SD50 were published in the January 1984 MR. The model closely follows the dimensions in these drawings. In addition, Life-Like’s SD50s feature specific railroad details thanks to a wide selection of alternate parts which are factory assembled.
The corner steps have a realistic see-through pattern while all of the running boards and end platforms have anti-slip surfaces. The dynamic brake openings on the sides just behind the cab have a nice see-through effect.
The six-wheel HT-C trucks are well done with acetal plastic sideframes concealing the electrical contact points. They have scale 42″-diameter blackened nickel- silver wheelsets with National Model Railroad Association RP-25 contours. All of our sample’s wheels were in gauge and pick up electrical current.
The SD50 has a printed-circuit board that controls the constant reversible headlights and includes an NMRA eight-pin socket for a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. However, higher-voltage lamps must be substituted for the original low-voltage headlights for use on DCC. The instructions explain these changes.
Proto 2000 magnetic knuckle couplers are supplied, but horn-hooks or other brands of knuckle couplers may be easily substituted.
Our sample SD50’s performance is close to that of its SD70 and SD70M brothers. It started and ran smoothly at low speeds, reaching a scale 71 mph at 12 volts. Excellent! The drawbar pull is equivalent to about 87 free-rolling freight cars on straight and level track.
While this model will negotiate an 18″-radius curve, its extreme overhang makes it difficult to keep anything coupled to it. It’ll do much better on 24″ or larger radii.
Our sample SD50 came neatly painted in the black and white Kansas City Southern scheme, and the lettering was clear and sharp. There was even a little “dust” on the screens to help emphasize the various grills.
This heavy-duty road diesel is a powerful and well-detailed addition to today’s lineup of big motive power.
Price: $140.00
Manufacturer:
Life-Like Products Inc.
1600 Union Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21211
Description:
Plastic and metal locomotive
Road names:
(two road numbers each)
Kansas City Southern,
Chessie System (Baltimore
& Ohio), Conrail, CSX,
Missouri Pacific, Seaboard
System, Southern Pacific,
Union Pacific, and
Undecorated
Features:
All-wheel drive and electrical
pickup
Constant directional headlights
Digital Command Control
(DCC) socket
Drawbar pull: 6.24 ounces
Dual machined brass flywheels
EMD standard cab
Engine weight: 25 ounces
Five-pole skew-wound
can motor
Lighted number boards
Minimum radius: 18″
Nickel silver RP-25 wheels
Optional details
Proto 2000 magnetic
knuckle couplers
