EMD "SD45" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Last revised: December 20, 2024
By: Adam Burns
Electro-Motive was determined to win the horsepower race of the 1960s and cataloged its most powerful standard model in late 1965, the SD45.
To achieve its goal, EMD increased the size of its new 645 power plant to 20 cylinders, which increased horsepower to 3,600. Visually, the SD45 was unmistakable from any other La Grange product up until that time with its long frame and flared rear radiator air intakes. The latter trait was not repeated on standard production models until the SD80MAC of 1995.
Initially, the SD45 was quite successful - and went on to sell more than 1,200 examples. However, railroads soon realized the additional 600 horsepower was not worth the increased maintenance investment.
In addition, it was the first in EMD's line to suffer mechanical issues. These problems were eventually addressed in the "Dash 2" variant although by then most railroads opted for the less powerful, but more reliable, SD40-2. Ultimately, only 136 examples of the SD45-2 were produced.
Nevertheless, the SD45 could outpull almost any other locomotive then in service and was popular on western roads like the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Great Northern.
Recently-delivered Erie Lackawanna SD45's are seen here at Secaucus, New Jersey on May 26, 1968. Peter Klepper photo/Warren Calloway collection.Background
In an era when manufacturers and railroads believed evermore horsepower achieved the greatest level of operational efficiency, powerful models like the SD45, U36C, and C636 were cataloged by the industry's three major builders.
There were even one-off monstrosities like the U50/U50C, DDA40X, DD35/A, and C-855. Ultimately, railroads realized the greater horsepower was not worth the increased maintenance investment.
In his book, "EMD Locomotives," author Brian Solomon notes that in late 1965 EMD advertised nine new models equipped with its latest engine offered in a range of horsepower ratings, sizes, and wheel arrangements.
The SD45 was the most powerful and entered EMD's catalog in December, 1965 with the unveiling of Demonstrator #4351. The big locomotive was equipped with a 20-cylinder variant of the builder's new model 645E3 prime mover.
To accommodate the larger power plant, engineers lengthened EMD's standard frame for its six-axle models by five feet. As Bob Hayden notes in his book, "Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia - Volume 2," instead of fabricating a special frame for the SD45, EMD simply made it standard for all six-axle models in the 645 line.
As a result, the less powerful SD38, SD39, and SD40 have short "porches" fore and aft. Interestingly, these "porches" are even more pronounced on the SD40-2, which featured an even longer frame to accommodate the new HT-C truck.
The SD45's signature feature was its flared rear radiator, which was required to provide the cooling necessary for the greater engine ouput. Mr. Solomon notes the average cost for a new SD45, depending on options, was $290,000.
A trio of Erie Lackawanna's big SD45's work pool service to Chicago as they accelerate westbound symbol freight TC-99 out of the Delaware & Hudson's yard at Mechanicville, New York, circa 1969. Jim Shaughnessy photo.Success and Concern
Sales for the SD45 took off quickly thanks to EMD's stellar reputation. However, as the model spent time in service customers soon recognized issues with these powerful locomotives.
Most notable was the 20-cylinder prime mover, which began experiencing teething issues and had a tendency to break crankshafts. This significant problem naturally resulted in engine failures while in service and sidelined the locomotives for an extended period. In addition, railroads did not like the larger flared rear radiator.
Rio Grande SD45 #5323 leads a freight through heavy snow just west of Loma, Colorado during the late 1960s. American-Rails.com collection.SD45-2
As part of EMD's latest "Dash 2" line released in January, 1972, the SD45-2 solved its predecessors problems. In his book, "Locomotives: The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference," author Greg McDonnell notes that EMD boasted 40 refinements with its new line.
Its most notable was the upgraded electrical system which included transistors, printed circuit boards, and solid-state modular components which replaced a labyrinth of old relays, switches, and interlocks commonly been found on all previous models.
The new computer system controlled everything from voltage regulation, battery charging and excitation and throttle response to wheel-slip control, dynamic brakes, and the locomotive's sanders.
In this Great Northern publicity photo, new SDP45 #333 leads the "Empire Builder" in its redesigned "Big Sky Blue" livery near Montana's Glacier National Park during the fall of 1967. Author's collection.Interestingly, the SD45-2 was the one "Dash 2" variant that actually differed visually from its pedecessor. EMD eliminated the flared rear radiator air intakes, replacing it with the builder's common flush-mounted design - only larger to provide proper air-intake for the 20-cylinder engine.
Unfortunately, the "Dash 2" line did not see the same jump in sales as the SD40 series. Its biggest issue appears to have been the increased maintenance and fuel appetite. Railroads were quite happy with the slightly less powerful - and less maintenance intensive - SD40-2. Ultimately, just 136 SD45-2s were sold.
A Northern Pacific publicity photo featuring four new SD45's just delivered from Electro-Motive at the Mississippi Street Shops in St. Paul, Minnesota in July, 1966. Author's collection.SDP45
Cataloged in 1967, this variant was a dual-service design, which carried a steam generator for passenger assignments. To do so required a frame five feet longer. Only 54 were sold to Southern Pacific, Great Northern, and Erie Lackawanna.
EL wound up with the most, 34 examples built between 1969-1970. Ironically, the railroad did not order theirs for passenger service. Instead, the longer frame allowed for a larger, 5,000-gallon fuel tank (enabling complete runs from New Jersey to Chicago without refueling) while the rear space intended for a steam generator contained concrete to increase tractive effort.
Erie Lackawanna SD45 #3633 is stopped with a westbound freight at the small depot in Deposit, New York during a crew change in March, 1970. Photographer unknown. Author's collection.SD45T-2
The SD45T-2 was the original "Tunnel Motor" variant, requested by Southern Pacific for operation in the high Sierra-Nevada mountain range of Donner Pass to eliminate clean air-intake problems while operating through tunnels and snowsheds.
To correct the overheating issue, EMD redesigned the rear section by placing the air-intakes low along the walkways where they could acquire the coolest, cleanest air. In addition, the radiators were moved to very top of the hood.
Overall, the new design gave the locomotive a very box appearance at the rear. No other railroads ordered the "Tunnel Motor" package; Southern Pacific wound up with 247 units, 166 of which were sublettered for subsidiary St. Louis Southwestern Railway. In 1974, Southern Pacific returned to EMD for the less powerful SD40T-2, a model also purchased by the Rio Grande.
Southern Pacific/Cotton Belt SD45T-2 #9389 proudly wears its new Bicentennial livery in Sacramento, California during August of 1975. Behind it is Central Pacific 4-2-4 #1, the "CP Huntington". Drew Jacksich photo.Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 12/1965 (Demonstrator #4351) |
| Years Produced (SD45) | 12/1965 - 12/1971 |
| Years Produced (SDP45) | 5/1967 - 8/1970 |
| Years Produced (SD45X) | 6/1970 - 2/1971 |
| Years Produced (SD45-2) | 5/1972 - 9/1974 |
| Engine | 645E3 |
| Engine (SD45X) | 645F3B |
| Engine Builder | GM |
| Horsepower | 3600 |
| Horsepower (SD45X) | 4200 |
| RPM | 904 |
| Cylinders | 20 |
| Cylinders (SD45X) | 16 |
| Length | 65' 9 ½" |
| Length (SD45X) | 70' 8" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Engine Hood) | 15' 2 13/32" |
| Width | 10' |
| Weight | 368,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 3200 Gallons |
| Fuel Capacity (SD45X) | 4400 Gallons |
| Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
| Air Compressor Model | WBO |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26L |
| Trucks | C-C |
| Truck Type | Flexicoil |
| Truck Type (SD45X) | HT-C |
| Truck Wheelbase | 13' 7" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | D77 (6), GM |
| Primary Generator | AR10, GM |
| Steam Generator (SDP45) | Vapor-Clarkson (Model AR4125) |
| Auxiliary Generator | Delco (A8102) |
| Alternator | D14 |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
| Gear Ratio | 62:15 (71 mph), 61:16 (77 mph), 60:17 (83 mph) |
| Gear Ratio (SDP45) | 59:15 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 92,000 Lbs at 25% |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 89,500 Lbs at 25% (SDP45) |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 82,100 Lbs at 11 mph |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 82,100 Lbs at 6.6 mph (SDP45) |
| Top Speed | 65 mph |
| Top Speed (SDP45) | 95 mph |
A pair of Frisco SD45's, along with GP35 #701, at Springfield, Missouri, circa 1970. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.Production Rosters
SD45
Total Built = 1,260
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Northern | 400-407 | 31598-31605 | 7871 | 5/1966-6/1966 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 4351 (became Illinois Central #7000) | 31693 | 5696 | 12/1965 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 4352-4353 (became Delaware & Hudson #802-803) | 31694-31695 | 5696 | 1/1966 |
| Atlantic Coast Line | 1024-1033 | 31840-31849 | 5703 | 12/1966 |
| Northern Pacific | 3600-3603 | 31951-31954 | 7890 | 7/1966 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1700-1704 | 31955-31959 | 5705 | 7/1966 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1705-1730 | 31960-31985 | 7904 | 7/1966-9/1966 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1731-1734 | 31986-31989 | 7905 | 9/1966 |
| Southern Pacific | 8800-8844 | 31991-32035 | 7887 | 8/1966-9/1966 |
| Santa Fe | 1800-1829 | 32056-32085 | 5708 | 6/1966-8/1966 |
| Pennsylvania | 6105-6139 | 32315-32349 | 7928 | 10/1966-12/1966 |
| Pennsylvania | 6140-6169 | 32365-32394 | 7928 | 1/1967-2/1967 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 4354 (became Delaware & Hudson #801) | 32462 | 5720 | 6/1966 |
| Santa Fe | 1830-1889 | 32506-32565 | 5722 | 10/1966-12/1966 |
| Chicago & North Western | 901-920 | 32624-32643 | 7945 | 2/1967-3/1967 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 5315-5324 | 32689-32698 | 7951 | 1/1967-2/1967 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1735-1738 | 32699-32702 | 7953 | 5/1967 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1739-1764 | 32703-32728 | 7988 | 7/1967-9/1967 |
| Southern Pacific | 8845-8893 | 32759-32807 | 7954 | 2/1967-4/1967 |
| Southern Pacific | 8894-8934 | 32808-32848 | 7971 | 4/1967-7/1967 |
| Great Northern | 408-417 | 32988-32997 | 7963 | 4/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 900-905 | 33011-33016 | 7967 | 2/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 906 | 33017 | 7968 | 2/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 907-911 | 33018-33022 | 7970 | 2/1967-3/1967 |
| Northern Pacific | 3604-3619 | 33025-33040 | 7978 | 4/1967-5/1967 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3601-3620 | 33101-33120 | 7991 | 6/1967 |
| Reading | 7600-7604 | 33175-33179 | 7992 | 7/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 912-913 | 33182-33183 | 5729 | 5/1967 |
| Union Pacific | 3600-3621 | 33409-33430 | 7975 | 3/1968-4/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3622 | 33431 | 7107 | 4/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3623 | 33432 | 7108 | 4/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3624-3639 | 33433-33448 | 7077 | 3/1968-4/1968 |
| Milwaukee Road | 4000-4005 | 33525-33530 | 7052 | 1/1968-2/1968 |
| Southern | 3122-3159 | 33544-33581 | 7068 | 11/1967-12/1967 |
| Southern | 3105-3121 | 33582-33598 | 7074 | 12/1967 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 914-925 | 33599-33610 | 7080 | 2/1968 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 8964-8971 | 33624-33631 | 7081 | 2/1968-4/1968 |
| Southern Pacific | 8935-8963 | 33632-33660 | 7082 | 2/1968-5/1968 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 8972-8981 | 33661-33670 | 4/1968-6/1968 | 7081 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 5325-5336 | 33757-33768 | 7085 | 3/1968-5/1968 |
| Great Northern | 418-426 | 33785-33793 | 7088 | 7/1968-8/1968 |
| Pennsylvania | 6170-6199, 6210-6234 | 33804-33858 | 7993 | 12/1967-1/1968 |
| Pennsylvania | 6200-6208 (Evens) | 33859-33863 | 7090 | 1/1968 |
| Pennsylvania | 6201-6209 (Odds) | 33864-33868 | 7091 | 1/1968-3/1968 |
| Northern Pacific | 3620-3629 | 33900-33909 | 7094 | 4/1968-5/1968 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 5337-5340 | 33931-33934 | 7106 | 3/1968 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3621-3634 | 33936-33949 | 7104 | 5/1968 |
| Union Pacific | 3640-3649 | 34016-34025 | 7077 | 3/1968 |
| Milwaukee Road | 4006-4009 | 34149-34152 | 7133 | 12/1968 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 2010-2023 | 34163-34176 | 7123 | 10/1968 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 926-928 | 34245-34247 | 7129 | 10/1968 |
| Penn Central | 6235-6239 | 34277-34281 | 7125 | 8/1968 |
| Southern Pacific | 8982-9001 | 34350-34369 | 7138 | 12/1968-2/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9002-9007 | 34370-34375 | 7163 | 2/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9008-9030 | 34376-34398 | 7138 | 2/1969-4/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9031-9036 | 34399-34404 | 7164 | 4/1969-5/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9037-9051 | 34405-34419 | 7138 | 3/1969 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9052-9059 | 34420-34427 | 7140 | 1/1969-3/1969 |
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy | 516-530 | 34551-34565 | 7147 | 1/1969 |
| Chicago & North Western | 937-977 | 34570-34610 | 7148 | 1/1969-2/1969 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9060-9068 | 34726-34734 | 7150 | 12/1968 |
| Southern Pacific | 9069-9103 | 34904-34938 | 7170 | 3/1969-4/1969 |
| Santa Fe | 5590-5597 | 34995-35012 | 7175 | 5/1969 |
| Santa Fe | 5598-5614 | 35013-35019 | 7177 | 5/1969 |
| Southern Pacific | 9104-9123 | 35196-35215 | 7187 | 10/1969-12/1969 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Cotton Belt) | 929-942 | 35477-35490 | 7194 | 9/1969-10/1969 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1765-1789 | 35521-35545 | 7199 | 2/1970-3/1970 |
| Norfolk & Western | 1790-1814 | 35546-35570 | 5745 | 12/1969 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 926-928 | 34245-34247 | 7129 | 10/1968 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 929-942 | 35477-35490 | 7194 | 9/1969-10/1969 |
| St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 943-948 | 35583-35588 | 7204 | 12/1969 |
| St Louis-Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) | 9152-9155 | 35753-35756 | 7215 | 1/1970 |
| Southern Pacific | 9124-9151 | 35761-35788 | 7217 | 12/1969-3/1970 |
| Southern | 3160-3169, 3100-3104 | 36109-36123 | 5755 | 3/1970 |
| Burlington Northern | 6472-6491 | 36361-36380 | 7261 | 6/1970-7/1970 |
| Santa Fe | 5622-5624 | 36491-36493 | 5763 | 6/1970 |
| Santa Fe | 5615-5621 | 36494-36500 | 7267 | 6/1970 |
| Burlington Northern | 6492-6497 | 36794-36799 | 7279 | 8/1970-9/1970 |
| Burlington Northern | 6498-6542 | 37106-37150 | 5773 | 5/1971-8/1971 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 2024-2044 | 37715-37735 | 5784 | 9/1971-10/1971 |
| Colorado & Southern | 868-874 | 38366-38372 | 5788 | 10/1971 |
| Burlington Northern | 6543-6567 | 5794-1/25 | 5794 | 11/1971-12/1971 |
Reused Serials
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern | 3120 | 33597 | 8084 | 4/1970 |
SD45-2
Total Built = 136
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Lackawanna | 3669-3681 | 7381-1 thru 7381-13 | 10/1972 |
| Clinchfield | 3607-3616 | 7382-1 thru 7382-10 | 11/1972 |
| Santa Fe | 5625-5661 | 7391-1 thru 7391-37 | 5/1972 |
| Santa Fe | 5662-5704 | 72642-1 thru 72642-43 | 5/1973-6/1973 |
| Clinchfield | 3617-3624 | 73773-1 thru 73773-8 | 2/1974 |
| Seaboard Coast Line | 2045-2059 | 74601-1 thru 74601-15 | 8/1974-9/1974 |
| Santa Fe | 5705-5714 | 74603-1 thru 74603-10 | 5/1974 |
It's the early Conrail era as Erie Lackawanna SDP45 #3636 leads a westbound freight near Alden, New York on December 14, 1976. American-Rails.com collection.SDP45
Total Built = 52
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Pacific | 3200-3209 | 32849-32858 | 5/1967-7/1967 | 7955 |
| Great Northern | 326-333 | 33041-33048 | 7979 | 7/1967-8/1967 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3635-3653 | 34976-34994 | 7174 | 5/1969-6/1969 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3654-3661 | 36658-36665 | 7246 | 7/1970-8/1970 |
| Erie Lackawanna | 3662-3668 | 36880-36886 | 7246 | 8/1970 |
SD45X
Total Built = 7
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 5740 | 34123 | 5740 | 6/1970 |
| Southern Pacific | 9500-9502 | 35741-35743 | 7288 | 8/1970-9/1970 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 4201 (became Southern Pacific #9503) | 36806 | 5751 | 6/1970 |
| Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 4202-4203 (became Southern Pacific #9504-9505) | 36807-36808 | 5751 | 2/1971 |
One of the Santa Fe's interesting SD45B's, #5501, was photographed here in Riverdale, Illinois on August 28, 1990. John Eagan, Jr. photo. Author's collection.SD45X
Only seven of this variant were produced in 1970-1971. It was an experimental design which tested EMD's new "Dash 2" upgrades and could produce 4,200 horsepower. The model was also equipped with EMD's latest HT-C truck, which was a standard option on the SD40-2.
Photo Gallery
Milwaukee Road SD45 #4000 was photographed here at the company's terminal in Bensenville, Illinois in February, 1969. American-Rails.com collection.
Erie Lackawanna SDP45 #3664 and a U36C lead trailers westbound through Hornell, New York on October 16, 1975. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.
A handsome Santa Fe SD45-2, #5700, shows off its Bicentennial livery in Kansas City on February 26, 1975. J. Primm photo. American-Rails.com collection.Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Schafer, Mike. Vintage Diesel Locomotives. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1998.
- Solomon, Brian. American Diesel Locomotive, The. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 2000.
- Solomon, Brian. EMD Locomotives. Minneapolis: MBI Publishing Company, 2006.
- Solomon, Brian. GE and EMD Locomotives: The Illustrated History. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2014.
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Feb 03, 26 11:13 AM
The French Lick Scenic Railway's Bourbon Tasting Train is a 21+ evening ride pairing curated bourbons with small dishes in first-class table seating. -
Pennsylvania Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Feb 03, 26 09:35 AM
For whiskey aficionados and history buffs alike, a train ride through the Keystone State offering such spirits provides a unique and memorable experience. -
Massachusetts Dinner Train Rides On Cape Cod
Feb 02, 26 12:22 PM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) has carved out a special niche by pairing classic New England scenery with old-school hospitality, including some of the best-known dining train experiences in the… -
Maine's Dinner Train Rides In Portland!
Feb 02, 26 12:18 PM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a… -
Oregon St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 12:16 PM
One of the Oregon Coast Scenic's most popular—and most festive—is the St. Patrick’s Pub Train, a once-a-year celebration that combines live Irish folk music with local beer and wine as the train glide… -
Connecticut Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 12:13 PM
If you’re looking for a signature “special occasion” experience, the Essex Steam Train's Wine & Chocolate Dinner Train stands out as a decadent, social, and distinctly memorable take on dinner on the… -
Massachusetts St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 12:12 PM
Among Cape Cod Central's themed events, the St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Train stands out as one of the most fun ways to welcome late winter’s last stretch. -
Florida's Thomas The Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 11:53 AM
Each year, Day Out With Thomas™ turns the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish into a full-on family festival built around one big moment: stepping aboard a real train pulled by a life-size Thomas the T… -
California's Thomas The Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 11:45 AM
Held at various railroad museums and heritage railways across California, these events provide a unique opportunity for children and their families to engage with their favorite blue engine in real-li… -
Nevada Dinner Train Rides At Ely!
Feb 02, 26 09:52 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could step through a time portal into the hard-working world of a 1900s short line the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is about as close as it gets. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides At Owosso!
Feb 02, 26 09:35 AM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 01:08 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Maryland ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:29 PM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
North Carolina St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:21 PM
If you’re looking for a single, standout experience to plan around, NCTM's St. Patrick’s Day Train is built for it: a lively, evening dinner-train-style ride that pairs Irish-inspired food and drink w… -
Connecticut St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:19 PM
Among RMNE’s lineup of themed trains, the Leprechaun Express has become a signature “grown-ups night out” built around Irish cheer, onboard tastings, and a destination stop that turns the excursion in… -
Alabama's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:17 PM
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (HoDRM) is the kind of place where history isn’t parked behind ropes—it moves. This includes Valentine's Day weekend, where the museum hosts a wine pairing special. -
Florida's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:25 AM
For couples looking for something different this Valentine’s Day, the museum’s signature romantic event is back: the Valentine Limited, returning February 14, 2026—a festive evening built around a tra…
