Norfolk Southern SD70ACe No. 1073 – Penn Central Heritage Unit
The legacy of the Penn Central Transportation Company lives on in bold fashion with Norfolk Southern RailwayHeritage Unit SD70ACe No. 1073—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. 1073 honors Penn Central, the railroad that reshaped freight railroading in the Northeast and laid groundwork for today’s modern rail system. The locomotive wears a faithful modernized version of Penn Central’s stark black paint scheme with white PC “worms”, understated and instantly recognizable.
As part of the program’s city-recognition theme, No. 1073 is lettered for New York and Philadelphia—two cities at the heart of Penn Central’s dense and complex operating territory.
Assigned to systemwide freight service, NS 1073 is among the most historically evocative units in the Heritage fleet. Our model captures the locomotive exactly as seen on today’s main lines—minimalist graphics, crisp lettering, and imposing 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
