CHICAGO — Metra has provided a sneak peek at the first of its new SD70MACH locomotives, providing photos Tuesday on its social media channels of locomotive No. 500 being unwrapped by shop personnel.
The locomotive will also wear the newest Metra heritage paint scheme, honoring the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Regional Transportation Authority, Metra’s parent and the original operator of some of its services.
Metra will receive 15 of the SD70MACH, and has the option to purchase 27 more under an agreement approved by Metra’s board in February 2019 [see “UPDATE: Metra board approves locomotive purchase …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 20, 2019]. The commuter operator says they will be delivered at the rate of approximately one per month starting in November.
It will be some time before the locomotive enters revenue service, as it undergoes testing and is also used for training. A second SD70MACH is currently at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo., and results of that testing could also lead to modifications and other adjustments. As a result, it is unlikely to see regular revenue service before spring 2023.
— Updated Oct. 12 at 1:45 p.m. with additional details.
