Norfolk Southern SD70ACe No. 1072 – Illinois Terminal Heritage Unit
The legacy of the Illinois Terminal Railroad lives on in bold fashion with Norfolk Southern Railway Heritage Unit SD70ACe No. 1072—and now it’s ready to take its place on your O Scale roster.
Unveiled as part of Norfolk Southern’s acclaimed Heritage Program, No. 1072 honors the Illinois Terminal, a unique Midwestern carrier that combined interurban roots with heavy freight service across Illinois. The locomotive wears a modernized interpretation of IT’s classic blue and cream scheme, a striking and historically accurate nod to one of the region’s most distinctive railroads.
As part of the program’s city-recognition theme, No. 1072 is lettered for St. Louis and Peoria—two key terminals that defined Illinois Terminal’s network and operations. This detail connects modern Norfolk Southern power to a railroad known for adaptability and innovation.
Assigned to systemwide freight service, NS 1072 stands out visually within the Heritage fleet. Our model captures the locomotive exactly as seen today, with sharp graphics and strong road presence.
Built to satisfy both operators and collectors, this model is engineered for smooth performance, exceptional pulling power, and museum-grade detail. Whether you operate in 3-Rail or 2-Rail, you’ll experience a modern diesel rendered to a standard that rivals late-run brass.
Key Features
Precision ABS shell with cast-metal chassis for exceptional durability and prototypical heft
Die-cast metal pilots, trucks, fuel tank, detailed side grilles, and moveable roof fans
Horizontal CAN-motor drive with sprung axles for smooth, quiet operation
RP25 metal wheels on metal axles, plus Kadee-compatible coupler mounts on 2-Rail models
Full lighting suite: Rule 17 headlights, illuminated number boards, LED ditch lights, and interior cab lighting
Detail enhancements: brass handrails & horn, painted cab details, and unmatched exterior detail
Advanced Electronics
Soundtraxx Blunami available in both 2-Rail and 3-Rail
3-Rail: ERR Cruise / TMCC / RailSounds (compatible with TMCC, Legacy, DCS)
2-Rail: ESU LokSound 5.0
Operational Flexibility
Runs on O-54 curves (3-Rail) and 48" radius (2-Rail)
Precision flywheel motor delivers powerful head-end pull and prototypical slow-speed control
Why It Stands Out
Distinctive, uncommon, and historically rich, Norfolk Southern No. 1072 brings Illinois Terminal heritage to life in O Scale with museum-grade detail and modern performance.
ETA: Winter ’26
MSRP: $799.99 (ERR CRUISE & DCC/Sound), $874.99 (Blunami)
Photo credit to RRpicturearchives
