Editing EMD SD50 (section)

==History==
The SD50 was produced in response to increasingly tough competition from [[GE Transportation]], whose [[GE Dash 7 Series|Dash 7]] line was proving quite successful with railroads. While EMD's [[EMD SD40-2|SD40-2]] was a reliable and trusted product, GE's line included locomotives up to {{convert|3600|hp|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} with more modern technology, as well as very competitive finance and maintenance deals. EMD responded throughout the SD50 program by offering discounts on large orders.

The GM-EMD locomotives that immediately preceded the SD50, the {{convert|3600|hp|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} [[EMD SD45|SD45]] and [[EMD SD45-2|SD45-2]], used huge, [[V20 engine|20-cylinder]] engines that consumed large amounts of fuel and suffered from reliability problems when first introduced. Demand for the 45 series dropped sharply after the 1970s fuel crisis. The SD50 used an updated version of the [[V16 engine|V16]] [[EMD 645|645]] from the SD40-2, uprated to {{convert|3500|hp|abbr=on}} at 950 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] from {{convert|3000|hp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} at 900 rpm, and uprated again in November 1984 to {{convert|3600|hp|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. This proved to be a step too far; the 50 series models were plagued by engine and electrical system problems which harmed EMD's sales and reputation.

Compared with their predecessors, the SD50 had a longer frame and a substantially longer [[long hood]]. In addition, the resistors for the [[dynamic braking|dynamic brake]] grid were moved from their location on previous models above the [[Prime mover (locomotive)|prime mover]] to a new, cooler location in front of the engine compartment air intakes, closer to the electrical switchgear. This increased their separation from other systems, simplifying maintenance for the prime mover and the electrical system.

One former SD50 engineer praised the locomotives' [[Wheel slide protection|wheel-slip control]] system and dynamic braking power, stating "they were able to give more adhesion than a [[EMD SD40-2|SD40-2]]".<ref name=":0" />