BN 6117 was the first of 10 Phase 3 SD9s acquired by Great Northern in April 1958 and were not acquired for Mesabi Iron Range duties. This unit was GN 590, and 590-597 were non dynamic brake units. They worked in Minnesota, and were regulars on the GN Sioux City-Willmar-St. Cloud-Brook Park lines. Some also were assigned in the Spokane area. GN 598 & 599 (BN 6125 & 6126) were the only two dynamic brake SD9s on the roster and were assigned out West. Both of these units have been saved and donated to the Inland NW Rail Museum in Reardan, WA near Spokane.
