As the horsepower race heated up between EMD and GE in the 1990s, the SD80MAC was seen as a transition model, easily overshadowed by the similar looking but more powerful SD90MAC with its promise of an extra 1000 horses. But Conrail opted for the proven and ready prime mover and ordered the 5000 horse SD80MAC instead. And the design proved successful enough that Big Blue bought the demonstrators and had plans for a third order before changing to SD70 and SD70MAC’s just before the split. Conrail’s big Mac’s were a favorite of crews and fans. They found extensive use on the Boston and Pittsburgh lines in a variety of roles. CSX and Norfolk Southern continued to make good use of the fleet into the 2010s. It seems only fitting to bring back the SD80MAC into the Lionel line up as we head into Conrail’s 50th anniversary year! These full length scale locomotives present an imposing appearance, but are O-36 curve compatible.