The WalthersMainline EMD SD70 in Norfolk Southern colors, road number 2501, ready for HO scale mainline duty. Introduced in 1992 and built through 1999, this version of the SD70 carries the spartan cab shared with earlier EMD diesels, making it an easy stand-in for a wide range of 1990s freight assignments.
This one arrives with ESU sound and DCC already installed, so it runs on either a DCC or a conventional DC layout with prime mover, horns and bells working from the first lap.
Underneath it is the same drive Walthers puts in its Proto locomotives: a 5-pole skew-wound motor, dual brass flywheels, all-wheel drive and pickup, and a die-cast chassis that gives it the weight to pull a real train.
Looking for more HO scale power? Browse our HO Scale Locomotives, the full WalthersMainline range, and our DCC decoders and sound.
Do I need DCC to run this?
No. The ESU decoder works on both DCC and conventional DC layouts, though you need DCC to access the individual sounds and functions.
What horns and bells does it have?
Four air horns selectable by CV (K5LAR24, P5R24, K3LA2, K3L) and two bells (Graham E-bell and steel bell).
What is the minimum radius?
18 inches will work, but 22 inches or larger is recommended for reliable running and a better look.
Is it ready to run?
Yes. It comes fully assembled with metal knuckle couplers and metal wheels installed.
Can I add grab irons?
Yes. The shell has molded drill starter points. The SD70-Series Diesel Detail Kit (910-261) is sold separately.
Are other road numbers available?
Yes. See More in This Series above for the rest of this run. They are a one-time run in limited quantity.
