At the time of its introduction in 1994, the MK5000C was the most powerful single prime mover diesel-electric locomotive ever made, a title it would hold for only for one year until GE Transportation released its competing 6,000 hp (4.5 MW) AC6000CW model in 1995.
The Caterpillar 3612 drove a Kato 16P12-27000 main alternator which was capable of handling 8400 amperes at 1315 V DC at 1000 rpm.
The power generated by the main alternator drove 6 MK1000 traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to 40-inch (1,016 mm) wheels which allowed the MK5000C a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).
This coolant system was unlike that of most other North American locomotives, using a water/antifreeze mix; only a few Caterpillar-repowered switchers and the Electro Motive Division SD90MAC share this trait.
The MK5000C generated 118,000 lbf (525 kN) of continuous tractive effort, and produced around 35% adhesion on dry rail.
[1][2] Due to termination of the MK Rail high horsepower program, neither railroad purchased the model, and the units were returned after one year of demonstrations.
In March 2017, four units were prepared to be shipped to the Kyle Railroad, a few months after Utah Railway's coal train contracts expired.