Last revised: August 21, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The SD40 series was EMD's turbocharged models in its new 645 line. The standard SD40 sold more than 1,200 examples, illustrating the industry's desire for higher horsepower six-axle designs.
However, the builder could never have envisioned its "Dash 2" variant - the SD40-2 - would go on to become one of its all-time best sellers. Interestingly, as Louis Marre and Jerry Pinkepank note in "The Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide," EMD had believed its higher horsepower SD45 would hold this status.
During the 1960s the horsepower race was on as GE, EMD, and Alco cataloged increasingly more powerful models. However, railroads soon realized higher horsepower also equaled higher maintenance.
The SD40-2 offered a fine balance of power and efficiency that sparked a firestorm in sales. As a result, the model remained in production for nearly 15 years and ultimately sold more than 4.000 examples. The series' success spawned several variants which included the SD40A, SDP40, SD40T-2 "Tunnel Motor," and the SD40-2SS.
While there are a few SD40s officially preserved so many, especially "Dash 2" models, remain in use there is little need to visit a museum. In addition, the quality of EMD products can still be seen today as even Class 1s continue to rebuild and operate SD40-2s today.
No other second-generation locomotive compared to the SD40 series; its two flagship models defined EMD's dedication to quality during this era. The SD40-2 became the industry standard throughout the 1970s and 1980s and remains in regular service today. In many ways, the SD40 was EMD's curtain call. By the late 1980s GE overtook the company as leader of locomotive manufacturing.
In his book, "EMD Locomotives," author Brian Solomon notes that in late 1965 EMD advertised nine new models equipped with its latest model 645 prime mover, offered in a range of horsepower ratings, sizes, and wheel arrangements.
The SD40 was introduced in January, 1966 when Chicago & North Western #867 rolled out of La Grange. This model was EMD's turbocharged, 16-cylinder variant and could provide 3,000 horsepower.
By this time railroads were realizing the benefits of high horsepower, high tractive effort locomotives. The SD40 would go on to sell more than 1,200 examples while the even more powerful, 20-cylinder SD45 sold another 1,200+ units.
Visually, the SD40 closely resembled the earlier SD38. It was 65 feet, 9 ½ inches in length sporting standard Flexicoil trucks, the Spartan Cab, and EMD's now-classic road-switcher carbody.
A keen eye, however, will note the SD40's additional rear roof radiator fan (three) and rectangular turbocharger stack located slightly forward of the dynamic brake blister.
When the SD40-2 debuted with Kansas City Southern #637's completion in January, 1972, railroads soon realized the model provided an excellent blend of power and incredible relability.
The locomotive quickly became loved by shop personnel and even more-so by engineers who have stated the locomotive is a joy to operate in service.
From a sales perspective the SD40-2 quickly eclipsed the SD45, which ran into a combination of relability issues and increased maintenance as a result of its gas-guzzling 20-cylinder prime mover.
SD40-2
On January 1, 1972 Electro-Motive unveiled its new "Dash 2" line. This was not a specific locomotive model but an upgrade to the builder's current catalog. In his book, "Locomotives: The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference," author Greg McDonnell notes that EMD noted 40 refinements.
Nearly all of these were "under the hood." 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.
The SD40-2 also featured EMD's latest AR10 alternator; its rectifier - with four banks of solid state silicon diodes - could quickly convert AC to DC for the traction motors. It also predominanely eliminated flashovers, a typical issue with DC generators.
Not only was the AR10 more efficient but also required fewer overall components, which also decreased maintenance. With less circuitry the SD40-2 did not experience nearly the same amount of wheel slip issues.
While similar to its predecessor, the new model was noticeably longer, by three feet, to accommodate EMD's latest HT-C truck. In doing so, the SD40-2 featured extended "porches" fore and aft, and was its trademark feature.
The new C-C truck offered greater adhesion by having all traction motors mounted in the same direction. This design eliminated torque reversals which commonly caused the truck to tilt and one axle to unload, which resulted in wheel slippage.
The HT-C was also equipped with EMD's new modular WS10 wheel-slip control system, which further reduced slippage and "...increased average all-weather dispatchable adhesion from 18% to 21%."
The SD40-2's other improvements were related to the 645E3 prime mover and included stronger pistons and chrome-plated stainless-steel piston rings. It also featured refinements to the engine, turbo, and camshaft bearings.
Other notable advancements included an airtight hood that kept out dust, dirt, and other particles from reaching internal components. To cool these critical areas the model sported a single air intake for electrical cooling, with a pressurized cooling system.
SD40A
This type featured the longest frame in the SD40 series at 70 feet, 8 inches, utilizing the frame of an SDP45. The extra length allowed for a larger fuel tank capable of holding 4,000 gallons in place of the standard 3,200 gallons found on a typical SD40. A total of 18 units were produced between August, 1969-January, 1970; all for Illinois Central.
SDP40
The SD40's passenger variant, the SDP40 featured a steam generator at the rear for passenger car heating. Only six were produced domestically for Great Northern while Ferrocarril Nacional de México (NdeM) acquired fourteen.
SDP40F
Covered in greater detail here, this model was produced only for Amtrak in 1973-1974 sporting a "cowl" carbody, steam generator, and a variant of the HT-C truck.
SD40T-2 "Tunnel Motors"
The success of the SD40 series led to numerous spinoffs. Most notable was Southern Pacific's "Tunnel Motors."
This variant was requested - originally with the SD45T-2 of 1972 - to alleviate cooling problems with locomotives operating in high altitude environments where they encountered numerous tunnels and/or snow sheds, predominanetly Donner Pass.
Ultimately, EMD engineers remedied the problem by moving the air-intakes near the bottom of the carbody to draw in cooler air and placed the radiators at the very top of the carbody. While only the Southern Pacific acquired the more powerful SD45T-2 (along with subsidiary St. Louis Southwestern), the Rio Grande also ordered the SD40T-2.
SD40-2F
This was a very late era variant ordered by Canadian Pacific and delivered in November, 1988 - more than two years after the final SD40-2s had been built for NdeM.
The SD40-2F, numbered 9000-9024, featured a full cowl carbody but were otherwise standard SD40-2s. They were the final in the SD40 series produced.
SD40-2SS
This variant saw only nine units produced. They featured the Super Series ("SS") wheel slip control system as well as sporting EMD's higher-capacity AR16 traction alternator and a larger turbocharger.
They were built only between April-May, 1978 and included Burlington Northern #7049-7053 as well as Union Pacific #3805-3808. BN's examples are identical to standard SD40-2s while UP's featured a slightly longer carbody and larger radiators.
Other Variants
Beyond specific model variants, the SD40 series was produced in a wide range of optional setups at customer request, which did not warrant specific designations. The Southern and Norfolk & Western acquired many with high, short hoods - standard practice for both railroads.
While not officially an EMD cataloged model, the 123 units produced for Canadian National at the London, Ontario plant featured the railroad's patented "Wide" or "Safety Cab." As a result, many railfans have dubbed these the "SD40-2W" although EMD/GMDD gave them no special moniker.
There were also SD40-2s ordered by British Columbia Rail, CP Rail (Canadian Pacific), Kansas City Southern, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific with extende noses. Lastly, Conrail ordered its SD40-2s with the older Flexicoil truck.
Entered Production (SD40) | 1/1966 (Chicago & North Western #867) |
Entered Production (SD40X) | 7/1964 (Demonstrator #434) |
Entered Production (SD40A) | 8/1969 (Illinois Central #6006) |
Entered Production (SD40-2) | 1/1972 (Kansas City Southern #637) |
Entered Production (SD40-2SS) | 3/1978 (Burlington Northern #7049) |
Years Produced (SD40) | 1/1966 - 7/1972 |
Years Produced (SD40X) | 7/1964 - 4/1965 |
Years Produced (SD40A) | 8/1969 - 1/1970 |
Years Produced (SDP40) | 5/1966 |
Years Produced (SD40-2) | 1/1972 - 7/1984 |
Years Produced (SD40-2SS) | 3/1978 - 11/1980 |
Engine (SD40/SD40A/SDP40/SD40-2SS) | 645E3 |
Engine (SD40-2/SD40T-2) | 645E3/B/C |
Engine (SD40-2F) | 645E3M |
Engine Builder | GM |
Horsepower | 3000 |
Horsepower (SD40X) | 3500 |
RPM | 900 |
RPM (SD40-2) | 904 |
Cylinders | 16 |
Length (SD40) | 65' 8" |
Length (SD40-2) | 68' 10" |
Length (SD40A/SD40T-2) | 70' 8" |
Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 15' 7 ½" |
Width | 10' 3" |
Weight (SD40/SD40-2) | 368,000 Lbs |
Weight (SD40T-2) | 388,000-400,000 Lbs |
Weight (SD40-2F) | 389,000 Lbs |
Weight (SD40-2SS) | 392,000 Lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 3200 Gallons |
Fuel Capacity (SD40A) | 4000 Gallons |
Air Compressor | Gardner-Denver |
Air Compressor Model | WBO |
Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
Air Brake Schedule | 26L |
Trucks | C-C |
Truck Type | HT-C |
Truck Wheelbase | 13' 7" |
Wheel Size | 40" |
Traction Motors | D77* (6), GM |
Primary Generator | AR10, GM |
Primary Generator (SD40-2SS) | AR16, GM |
Auxiliary Generator | Delco (A8102) |
Alternator | D14 |
MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
Gear Ratio | 62:15 |
Gear Ratio (SDP40) | 59:15 |
Tractive Effort (Starting) | 92,000 Lbs at 25% (SD40, SD40A, SD40-2SS, SD40X) |
Tractive Effort (Starting) | 90,000 Lbs at 25% (SDP40) |
Tractive Effort (Starting) | 115,000 Lbs at 31.5% (SD40-2) |
Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 82,100 Lbs at 11 mph (SD40, SD40A, SD40-2, SD40-2SS, SD40X) |
Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 82,100 Lbs at 6.6 mph (SDP40) |
Top Speed | 65 mph |
Top Speed (SDP40) | 95 mph |
* Some SD40-2s carried the D78 traction motor.
Total Built = 1,268
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gulf Mobile & Ohio | 901-912 | 31007-31018 | 7843 | 3/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 867-880 | 31263-31276 | 7846 | 1/1966-2/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 881-886 | 31277-31282 | 7874 | 1/1966-2/1966 |
Pennsylvania | 6040-6104 | 31285-31349 | 7862 | 2/1966-3/1966 |
Union Pacific | 3000-3024 | 31414-31438 | 7865 | 3/1966-4/1966 |
Southern Pacific | 8410-8478 | 31491-31569 | 7861 | 2/1966-5/1966 |
Southern Pacific | 8400-8409 | 31560-31569 | 7875 | 2/1966 |
Union Pacific | 3025-3039 | 31575-31589 | 7868 | 4/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 887 | 31760 | 7892 | 4/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 888-889 | 31761-31762 | 7893 | 4/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 890-892 | 31763-31765 | 5701 | 4/1966 |
Atlanta & St Andrews Bay | 506 | 31766 | 7894 | 6/1966 |
Gainesville Midland | 10 | 31799 | 5702 | 6/1966 |
Norfolk & Western | 1580-1609 | 31899-31928 | 5707 | 5/1966-6/1966 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7450-7454 | 31929-31933 | 7886 | 8/1966 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7455-7457 | 31934-31936 | 7907 | 7/1966 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7458-7459 | 31937-31938 | 7906 | 8/1966-9/1966 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7460-7469 | 31939-31948 | 7907 | 7/1966-8/1966 |
Santa Fe | 1700 | 32036 | 7872 | 3/1966 |
Santa Fe | 1701-1702 | 32037-32038 | 7908 | 4/1966 |
Santa Fe | 1703-1709 | 32039-32045 | 7909 | 4/1966-5/1966 |
Santa Fe | 1710-1719 | 32046-32055 | 7910 | 3/1966-4/1966 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1225-1228 | 32088-32091 | 5709 | 6/1966, 9/1966 |
Chicago Great Western | 401-409 | 32092-32100 | 7912 | 8/1966-9/1966 |
Kansas City Southern | 600-611 | 32101-32112 | 7914 | 10/1966-12/1966 |
Kansas City Southern | 612-613 | 32113-32114 | 5711 | 10/1966 |
Western Maryland | 7470-7474 | 32134-32138 | 5714 | 8/1966 |
Clinchfield | 3000-3007 | 32141-32148 | 5710 | 9/1966 |
Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 913-921 | 32161-32169 | 7920 | 9/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 893 | 32314 | 7927 | 10/1966 (7927) |
Union Pacific | 3048-3082 | 32400-32434 | 7932 | 10/1966-12/2966 |
Chicago & North Western | 894-896 | 32686-32688 | 7952 | 1/1967 |
Missouri Pacific | 700-719 | 32968-32987 | 7962 | 3/1967-4/1967 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7475-7481 | 33154-33160 | 7972 | 5/1967 |
Baltimore & Ohio | 7482-7494 | 33161-33173 | 7998 | 5/1967 |
Illinois Central | 6000-6005 | 33244-33249 | 5732 | 12/1967 |
Colorado & Southern | 875-878 | 33516-33519 | 7073 | 10/1967 |
Southern Pacific | 8479-8488 | 33671-33680 | 7083 | 5/1968-6/1968 |
Missouri Pacific | 720-733 | 33771-33784 | 7995 | 1/1968-3/1968 |
Colorado & Southern | 879-887 | 33918-33926 | 7103 | 4/1968 |
Kansas City Southern | 614-617 | 33958-33961 | 7974 | 8/1968 |
Kansas City Southern | 618-619 | 33962-33963 | 7097 | 8/1968 |
Kansas City Southern | 620-621 | 33964-33965 | 7098 | 8/1968 |
Western Maryland | 7495-7496 | 34104-34105 | 7131 | 11/1968 |
Clinchfield | 3008 | 34177 | 7124 | 9/1968 |
Missouri Pacific | 734-753 | 34504-34523 | 7144 | 2/1969 |
Clinchfield | 3009-3014 | 34742-34747 | 7152 | 2/1969 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1229-1233 | 34758-34762 | 7155 | 4/1969 |
Baltimore & Ohio | 7497-7500 | 34775-34778 | 7159 | 4/1969 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7501-7506 | 34779-34784 | 7159 | 4/1969 |
Soo Line | 736-745 | 34889-34898 | 7169 | 4/1969-5/1969 |
Western Maryland | 7445-7449 | 34967-34971 | 7172 | 6/1969-7/1969 |
Grand Trunk Western | 5900-5911 | 35184-35195 | 7186 | 8/1969-9/1969 |
Kansas City Southern | 626 | 35493 | 7196 | 6/1970 |
Kansas City Southern | 627 | 35494 | 7197 | 6/1970 |
Kansas City Southern | 622-625 | 35495-35498 | 7203 | 6/1970 |
Norfolk & Western | 1610-1624 | 35605-35619 | 7320 | 5/1971 |
Missouri Pacific | 754-769 | 35725-35740 | 7214 | 1/1970 |
Grand Trunk Western | 5912-5920 | 35831-35839 | 7221 | 1/1970 |
Kansas City Southern | 628-631 | 35840-35843 | 7222 | 3/1971 |
Kansas City Southern | 632-633 | 35844-35845 | 7223 | 3/1971 |
Kansas City Southern | 634-635 | 35846-35847 | 7224 | 3/1971 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1234-1238 | 35948-35952 | 7232 | 4/1970 |
Soo Line | 746-749 | 36099-36102 | 7241 | 3/1970 |
Detroit Edison | 001-002 | 36124-36125 | 7252 | 5/1970 |
Detroit Edison | 005 | 36126 | 7254 | 4/1970 |
Detroit Edison | 003-004 | 36127-36128 | 7253 | 4/1970-5/1970 |
Detroit Edison | 006 | 36129 | 7254 | 5/1970 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7507-7516 | 36696-36705 | 7276 | 6/1970-7/1970 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7517-7526 | 36746-36755 | 7276 | 7/1970 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1239-1248 | 36809-36818 | 7282 | 8/1970-9/1970 |
Grand Trunk Western | 5921-5929 | 36887-36895 | 7289 | 9/1970 |
Penn Central | 6240-6270 | 36896-36926 | 7290 | 12/1970-1/1971 |
Penn Central | 6271-6284 | 36997-37010 | 7290 | 1/1971-2/1971 |
Chesapeake & Ohio | 7527-7536 | 37204-37213 | 7302 | 3/1971 |
Southern | 3170-3183 | 37355-37368 | 7308 | 4/1971 |
Southern | 3184-3185 | 37369-37370 | 5777 | 4/1971 |
Clinchfield | 3015-3019 | 37417-37421 | 7311 | 6/1971-7/1971 |
Clinchfield | 3020 | 37422 | 5776 | 6/1971 |
Soo Line | 750-756 | 37425-37431 | 5781 | 5/1971 |
Clinchfield | 3021-3024 | 37538-37541 | 5776 | 6/1971 |
Missouri Pacific | 770-789 | 37543-37562 | 7319 | 3/1971-4/1971 |
Union Pacific | 3083-3097 | 37639-37653 | 7324 | 8/1971-9/1971 |
Union Pacific | 3098-3122 | 37904-37928 | 7324 | 9/1971-10/1971 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1249-1258 | 38203-38212 | 5787 | 5/1971 |
Kansas City Southern | 636 | 38363 | 7222 | 3/1971 |
Burlington Northern | 6300-6324 | 5801-1/25 | 5801 | 10/1971-11/1971 |
Southern | 3186-3200 | 7375-1/15 | 7375 | 1/1972 |
Detroit Edison | 013-014 | 5817-1, 5817-2 | 5817 | 7/1972 |
Detroit Edison | 015-017 | 5818-1 thru 5818-3 | 5818 | 7/1972 |
Reused Serials
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 902 | 31008 | 8076 | 10/1966 |
Chicago & North Western | 880 | 31276 | 8075 | 10/1966 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington) | 876-877 | 33517-33518 | 8082 | 12/1968 |
Total Built = 9
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Electro-Motive (Demonstrator) | 434 (became Gulf, Mobile & Ohio #950) | 29025 | 5662 | 7/1964 |
Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 434A-434D (became Union Pacific #3040-3043) | 29873-29876 | 5673 | 2/1965 |
Electro-Motive (Demonstrators) | 434E-434H (became Union Pacific #3044-3047) | 30499-30502 | 5673 | 4/1965 |
Total Built = 18
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Illinois Central | 6006-6018 | 34939-34951 | 5743 | 8/1969-9/1969 |
Illinois Central | 6019-6023 | 35685-35689 | 5748 | 1/1970 |
Total Built = 6
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Great Northern | 320-325 | 31592-31597 | 7870 | 5/1966 |
Total Built = 3,982
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|
Burlington Northern | 6325-6339 | 5803-1 thru 5803-15 | 2/1972 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 900-917 | 5812-1 thru 5812-18 | 3/1972-5/1972 |
Union Pacific | 3173-3202 | 5819-1 thru 5819-30 | 6/1972-8/1972 |
Kansas City Southern | 637-646 | 7226-1 thru 7226-10 | 1/1972 |
Union Pacific | 3123-3172 | 7334-1 thru 7334-50 | 1/1972-3/1972 |
Soo Line | 757-761 | 7390-1 thru 7390-5 | 3/1972 |
Milwaukee Road | 3000-3040 | 7396-1 thru 7396-41 | 7/1972-8/1972 |
Kansas City Southern | 653-654 | 72611-1 thru 72611-2 | 11/1972 |
Kansas City Southern | 655-656 | 72612-1 thru 72612-2 | 11/1972 |
Burlington Northern | 6340-6363 | 72639-1 thru 72639-24 | 3/1973-4/1973 |
Milwaukee Road | 171-181 | 72640-1 thru 72640-11 | 7/1973 |
Milwaukee Road | 21-25 | 72641-1 thru 72641-5 | 7/1973 |
Milwaukee Road | 26-30 | 72643-1 thru 72643-5 | 7/1973 |
Southern | 3201-3208 | 72652-1 thru 72652-8 | 12/1972 |
Kansas City Southern | 647-652 | 72658-1 thru 72658-6 | 11/1972 |
Southern | 3209-3216 | 72661-1 thru 72661-8 | 1/1973 |
Soo Line | 762-766 | 72672-1 thru 72672-5 | 1/1973 |
Burlington Northern | 6364-6375 | 72682-1 thru 72682-12 | 3/1973-4/1973 |
Union Pacific | 3203-3242 | 72684-1 thru 72684-40 | 4/1973-6/1973 |
Burlington Northern | 6824-6836 | 73601-1 thru 73601-13 | 11/1973-12/1973 |
Missouri Pacific | 795-814 | 73613-1 thru 73613-20 | 8/1973-9/1973 |
Missouri Pacific | 790-794 | 73713-1 thru 73713-5 | 8/1973 |
Southern | 3241-3243 | 73651-1 thru 73651-3 | 1/1974 |
Kansas City Southern | 657-660 | 73657-1 thru 73657-3 | 1/1974 |
Kansas City Southern | 661-663 | 73658-1 thru 73658-3 | 1/1974 |
Kansas City Southern | 664-666 | 73661-1 thru 73661-45 | 6/1974-7/1974 |
Union Pacific | 3243-3287 | 73665-1 thru 73665-5 | 12/1973-1/1974 |
Chicago & North Western | 6811-6815 | 73665-1 thru 73665-5 | 12/1973 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 918-925 | 73666-1 thru 73666-8 | 2/1974 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 980 | 73668-1 | 2/1974 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 996 | 73669-1 | 2/1974 |
Rock Island | 4790-4799 | 73676-1 thru 73676-10 | 12/1973 |
Milwaukee Road | 182-209 | 73687-1 thru 73687-28 | 5/1974-6/1974 |
Soo Line | 775-785 | 73695-1 thru 73695-11 | 10/1974 |
Soo Line | 786 | 73795-1 | 10/1974 |
Burlington Northern | 6376-6385 | 74600-1 thru 74600-10 | 4/1974 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1259-1260 | 74608-1, 74608-2 | 3/1974 |
Louisville & Nashville | 1261-1278 | 74708-1 thru 74708-18 | 3/1974 |
Chicago & North Western | 6816-6865 | 74609-1 thru 74609-50 | 2/1974-4/1974 |
Norfolk & Western | 1636-1652 | 74615-1 thru 74615-17 | 7/1974 |
Chicago & North Western | 6866-6890 | 74639-1 thru 74639-25 | 9/1974 |
Louisville & Nashville | 3554-3583 | 74644-1 thru 74644-30 | 10/1974-11/1974 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 950-959 | 74648-1 thru 74648-10 | 11/1974 |
Burlington Northern | 6700-6707 | 74660-1 thru 74660-8 | 12/1974 |
Chicago & North Western | 6891-6925 | 74661-1 thru 74661-35 | 1/1975-2/1975 |
Union Pacific | 3288-3304 | 74676-1 thru 74676-17 | 3/1975-4/1975 |
Missouri Pacific | 3164-3201 | 74690-1 thru 74690-38 | 2/1975-3/1975 |
Soo Line | 787-789 | 75604-1 thru 75604-3 | 10/1975 |
Southern | 3244-3254 | 75615-1 thru 75615-11 | 7/1975 |
Missouri Pacific | 3202-3215 | 75616-1 thru 75616-14 | 8/1975 |
Norfolk & Western | 6073-6138 | 75622-1 thru 75622-66 | 2/1975-5/1975 |
Illinois Central Gulf | 6030-6033 | 75640-1 thru 75640-4 | 12/1975 |
Burlington Northern | 6708-6742 | 756072-1 thru 756072-35 | 2/1976-3/1976 |
Burlington Northern | 6743-6747 | 756082-1 thru 756082-5 | 3/1976 |
Burlington Northern | 6748-6752 | 756083-1 thru 756083-5 | 3/1976 |
Missouri Pacific | 3216-3220 | 756145-1 thru 756145-5 | 7/1976 |
Kansas City Southern | 667-672 | 756153-1 thru 756153-6 | 8/1976 |
Kansas City Southern | 673-674 | 756154-1, 756154-2 | 8/1976 |
Kansas City Southern | 675-676 | 756155-1, 756155-2 | 8/1976 |
Missouri Pacific | 3221-3235 | 766005-1 thru 766005-15 | 8/1976-9/1976 |
Burlington Northern | 6753-6772 | 766010-1 thru 766010-20 | 11/1976-12/1976 |
Union Pacific | 8035-8064 | 767021-1 thru 767021-30 | 7/1976-9/1976 |
Burlington Northern | 6773-6780 | 766024-1 thru 766024-8 | 5/1977 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 930-931 | 766024-9, 766024-10 | 5/1977 |
Burlington Northern | 8000-8009 | 766025-1 thru 766025-10 | 5/1977 |
Colorado & Southern | 932-936 | 766025-11 thru 766025-15 | 5/1977 |
Chicago & North Western | 6926-6935 | 766032-1 thru 766032-10 | 11/1976 |
Baltimore & Ohio | 7600-7619 | 767033-1 thru 767033-20 | 1/1977-2/1977 |
Union Pacific | 3335-3399 | 766056-1 thru 766056-65 | 2/1977-5/1977 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 937-949, 960-961 | 766070-1 thru 766070-15 | 6/1977 |
Burlington Northern | 6781-6785 | 766071-1 thru 766071-5 | 11/1977 |
Burlington Northern | 6786-6790 | 766072-1 thru 766072-5 | 12/1977 |
Conrail | 6358-6403 | 766078-1 thru 766078-46 | 6/1977-8/1977 |
Conrail | 6404-6440 | 767078-1 thru 767078-37 | 8/1977-9/1977 |
Union Pacific | 8065-8074 | 776013-1 thru 776013-10 | 5/1977 |
Louisville & Nashville | 3584-3605 | 776023-1 thru 776023-22 | 9/1977 |
Louisville & Nashville | 3606-3609 | 776026-1 thru 776026-4 | 10/1977 |
Louisville & Nashville | 3610-3613 | 776027-1 776027-4 | 10/1977 |
Santa Fe | 5020-5026 (Evens) | 776029-1 thru 776029-4 | 11/1977 |
Santa Fe | 5021-5027 (Odds) | 776030-1 thru 776030-4 | 11/1977 |
Santa Fe | 5028-5057 | 776031-1 thru 776031-30 | 10/1977-11/1977 |
Southern | 3255-3287 | 776044-1/33 | 1/1978-2/1978 |
Kansas City Southern | 677-679 | 776046-1 thru 776046-3 | 3/1978 |
Kansas City Southern | 680-682 | 776047-1 thru 776047-3 | 3/1978 |
Burlington Northern | 6791-6799, 7000-7028 | 776053-1 thru 776053-38 | 11/1977-12/1977 |
Burlington Northern | 7029-7048, 8010-8029 | 776055-1 thru 776055-30 | 2/1978-3/1978 |
Burlington Northern | 7054-7062 | 776056-1 thru 776056-9 | 6/1978 |
Burlington Northern | 7063-7074 | 776057-1 thru 776057-12 | 7/1978 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 7832-7855 | 776057-13 thru 776057-37 | 7/1978-8/1978 |
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 600-606 | 776064-1 thru 776064-7 | 8/1978 |
Southern | 3288-3302 | 776082-1 thru 776082-15 | 5/1978-6/1978 |
Norfolk & Western | 6139-6188 | 776086-1 thru 776086-50 | 4/1978-6/1978 |
Union Pacific | 3410-3488 | 776088-1 thru 776088-79 | 03/1978-5/1978 |
Missouri Pacific | 3216-3251 | 776099-1 thru 776099-36 | 8/1978-9/1978 |
Missouri Pacific | 3252-3265 | 777100-1 thru 777100-14 | 8/1978 |
St Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 950-957 | 776109-1 thru 776109-8 | 7/1978 |
Kennecott Copper Corporation | 101-107 | 776129-1/7 11/78 | 11/78 |
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 607-610 | 776133-1 thru 776133-4 | 10/1978 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 7856-7878 | 786001-1 thru 786001-13 | 9/1978-10/1978 |
Kansas City Southern | 683-684 | 786136-1, 786136-2 | 6/1978 |
Kansas City Southern | 685-686 | 786137-1, 786137-2 | 6/1978 |
Conrail | 6441-6482 | 786148-1 thru 786148-42 | 9/1978-11/1978 |
Santa Fe | 5200-5213 | 786153-1 thru 786153-14 | 10/1978 |
Union Pacific | 3489-3498 | 786163-1 thru 786163-10 | 12/1978 |
Burlington Northern | 7075-7125 | 786166-1 thru 786166-51 | 10/1978-12/1978 |
Louisville & Nashville (Family Lines) | 8000-8033 | 786167-1 thru 786167-34 | 3/1979-4/1979 |
Union Pacific | 3499-3573 | 786170-1 thru 786170-75 | 1/1979-3/1979 |
Burlington Northern | 7126-7160 | 786173-1 thru 786173-35 | 1/1979-2/1979 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 7868-7888 | 786173-36 thru 786173-55 | 3/1979-4/1979 |
Burlington Northern | 7161-7166 | 786173-56 thru 786173-61 | 4/1979 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 7889-7923 | 786173-62 thru 786173-96 | 4/1979-7/1979 |
Burlington Northern | 8030 | 786173-97 | 7/1979 |
Missouri Pacific | 3266-3291 | 786178-1 thru 786178-26 | 5/1979 |
Missouri Pacific | 6020-6049 | 786181-1 thru 786181-30 | 6/1979 |
Missouri Pacific | 3292-3301 | 786182-1 thru 786182-10 | 7/1979 |
Southern | 3303-3312 | 786184-1 thru 786184-10 | 2/1979-3/1979 |
Conrail | 6483-6524 | 786193-1 thru 786193-42 | 7/1979-10/1979 |
Seaboard Coast Line (Family Lines) | 8040-8066 | 786208-1 thru 786208-27 | 7/1979-9/1979 |
Louisville & Nashville (Family Lines) | 8034-8039 | 786209-1 thru 786209-6 | 8/1979 |
Burlington Northern | 8031-8073 | 786216-1 thru 786216-43 | 8/1979-12/1979 |
Union Pacific | 3574-3583, 8075-8099 | 786218-1 thru 786218-35 | 7/1979-8/1979 |
Santa Fe | 5071-5108 | 786219-1 thru 786219-38 | 9/1979-10/1979 |
Santa Fe | 5110-5124 (Evens) | 786222-1 thru 786222-8 | 10/1979 |
Santa Fe | 5109-5123 (Odds) | 786223-1 thru 786223-8 | 11/1979 |
Santa Fe | 5058-5070 | 786225-1 thru 786225-13 | 4/1979-5/1979 |
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 611-618 | 786228-1 thru 786228-8 | 9/1979 |
Southern | 3313-3328 | 786242-1 thru 786242-16 | 5/1979-6/1979 |
Oneida & Western (Shamrock Coal Company) | 9950-9957 | 786246-1 thru 786246-8 | 9/1979 |
Burlington Northern | 7236-7291 | 786252-1 thru 786252-56 | 1/1980-4/1980 |
Colorado & Southern (Burlington Northern) | 7924-7940 | 786252-57 thru 786252-73 | 4/1980-5/1980 |
Burlington Northern | 8090-8181 | 786256-1 thru 786256-92 | 5/1980-7/1980 |
Kansas City Southern | 687-688 | 786258-1, 786258-2 | 6/1980 |
Kansas City Southern | 689-690 | 786259-1, 786259-2 | 6/1980 |
Kansas City Southern | 691-692 | 786260-1, 786260-2 | 6/1980 |
Union Pacific | 3609-3658 | 786263-1 thru 786263-50 | 9/1979-12/1979 |
Louisville & Nashville | 8116-8126 | 786268-1 thru 786268-11 | 8/1980 |
Missouri Pacific | 3312-3321 | 786269-1 thru 786269-10 | 4/1980 |
Missouri Pacific | 6050-6053 | 786274-1 thru 786274-4 | 6/1979 |
Louisville & Nashville (Family Lines) | 8067-8086 | 786287-1 thru 786287-20 | 10/1979-11/1979 |
Union Pacific | 3659-3768 | 796297-1 thru 796297-110 | 1/1980-3/1980 |
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 619-628 | 796305-1 thru 796305-10 | 7/1980-8/1980 |
Soo Line | 6600-6601 | 797307-1, 797307-2 | 12/1979 |
Missouri Pacific | 3302-3311 | 796308-1 thru 796308-10 | 12/1979 |
Missouri Pacific | 6054-6073 | 796311-1 thru 796311-20 | 4/1980 |
Soo Line | 6602-6605 | 796327-1 thru 796327-4 | 4/1980 |
Soo Line | 6606-6613 | 797328-1 thru 797328-8 | 4/1980-5/1980 |
Louisville & Nashville (Family Lines) | 8095-8115 | 796329-1 thru 796329-21 | 5/1980-6/1980 |
Seaboard Coast Line (Family Lines) | 8087-8094 | 796334-1 thru 796334-8 | 5/1980-6/1980 |
Clinchfield (Family Lines) | 8127-8129 | 796335-1 thru 796335-3 | 8/1980 |
Union Pacific | 3769-3804 | 796345-1 thru 796345-36 | 10/1980-11/1980 |
Norfolk & Western | 6189-6207 | 796353-1 thru 796353-19 | 12/1980 |
Santa Fe | 5141-5169 | 796386-1 thru 796386-29 | 9/1980-10/1980 |
Soo Line | 6614-6616 | 797393-1 thru 797393-3 | 3/1981 |
Santa Fe | 5126-5140 (Evens) | 796395-1 thru 796395-8 | 11/1980 |
Santa Fe | 5125-5139 (Odds) | 796396-1 thru 796396-8 | 11/1980-12/1980 |
Seaboard Coast Line (Family Lines) | 8130 | 807009-1 | 8/1980 |
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 629-636 | 806049-1 thru 806049-8 | 9/1981 |
Clinchfield (Family Lines) | 8131 | 816009-1 | 9/1981 |
Louisville & Nashville (Family Lines) | 8133-8162 | 816010-1 thru 816010-30 | 9/1981-10/1981 |
Clinchfield (Family Lines) | 8132 | 817012-1 | 9/1981 |
Santa Fe | 5170-5192 | 816016-1 thru 816016-23 | 10/1981-12/1981 |
Soo Line | 6617 | 827034-1 | 4/1983 |
Soo Line | 6618-6623 | 837082-1 thru 837082-6 | 7/1984 |
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|
Burlington Northern | 7049-7053 | 776083-1 thru 776083-5 | 3/1978-4/1978 |
Union Pacific | 3805-3808 | 806053-1 thru 806053-4 | 11/1980 |
SD40
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Central Railway of Brazil | 3701-3704 (SD40M) | 32228-32231 | 710681-710684 | 4/1967 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8503-8521 | 33385-33403 | 710942-710960) | 5/1968-6/1968 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8500-8502 | 33895-33897 | 711084-711086 | 6/1968 |
Boke Project (Republic of Guinea) | 101-106 | 37894-37899 | 712077-712082 | 8/1972 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8536-8575 | 38893-38932 | 712205-712244 | 11/1971-12/1971 |
SD40-2
Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|
Canadian Pacific (Canada) | 5629-5658 (built by GMDD on order C358) | 72657-1 thru 72657-30 | 11/1972-12/1972 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8700-8709 | 712426-712435 | 9/1972 |
Southeastern United Railways (Mexico) | 601-604 | 712562-712565 | 11/1972 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8710-8715 | 712607-712612 | 12/1972 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8716-8755 | 712852-712891 | 11/1973-12/1973 |
Boke Project (Guinea) | 107 | 713406 | 10/1974 |
Boke Project (Guinea) | 108-109 | 713650-713651 | 4/1975 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8756-8767 | 756108-1 thru 756108-12 | 12/1975 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8768-8777 | 798047-1 thru 798047-10 | 2/1980 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8778-8798 | 798077-1 thru 798077-21 | 8/1980-9/1980 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 13001-13004 | 858098-1 thru 858098-4 | 2/1986 |
SDL40-2
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|
Mauritania National Railway | CC101-CC106 | 798080-1 thru 798080-6 | 10/1981 |
Mauritania National Railway | CC107-CC110 | 868153-1 thru 868153-4 | 2/1988 |
Mauritania National Railway | CC111-CC116 | 908738-1 thru 908738-6 | 8/1993-9/1993 |
Mauritania National Railway | CC117-CC121 | 958632-1 thru 958632-5 | 1/1997 |
SDP40
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Numbers | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8522-8531 | 33371-33380 | 710917-710926 | 5/1968 |
Ferrocarril Nacional de México | 8532-8535 | 36156-36159 | 711392-711395 | 5/1970 |
SD40-2
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canadian Pacific | 5565-5588 | A2564-A2587 | C344 | 2/1972-3/1972 |
Quebec, North Shore & Labrador | 221-240 | A2613-A2632 | C347 | 3/1972-4/1972 |
Canadian Pacific | 5589-5628 | A2633-A2672 | C349 | 5/1972-7/1972 |
Ontario Northland | 1730-1734 | A2844-A2848 | C355 | 3/1973 |
Quebec, North Shore & Labrador | 241-260 | A2849-A2868 | C356 | 3/1973-4/1973 |
Algoma Central | 183-185 | A2869-A2871 | C357 | 8/1973-9/1973 |
Canadian Pacific | 5659-5674 | A2872-A2887 | C359 | 4/1973-6/1973 |
Ontario Northland | 1735-1737 | A2942-A2944 | C362 | 1/1974 |
Canadian Pacific | 5806-5815 | A2945-A2954 | C363 | 1/1974-2/1974 |
Algoma Central | 186-188 | A2955-A2957 | C357 | 9/1973-10/1973 |
Canadian Pacific | 5816-5835 | A2958-A2977 | C364 | 2/1974-3/1974 |
Canadian Pacific | 5800-5805, 5836, 5675-5717 | A3113-A3162 | C374 | 11/1974-2/1975 |
Quebec, North Shore & Labrador | 261-264 | A3310-A3313 | C381 | 5/1975 |
Canadian Pacific | 5718-5757 | A3314-A3353 | C383 | 9/1975-11/1975 |
Canadian Pacific | 5758-5777 | A3463-A3482 | C397 | 1/1976-2/1976 |
Canadian Pacific | 5837-5859, 5778 | A3501-A3524 | C404 | 10/1977-2/1978 |
Canadian Pacific | 5779-5784 | A3525-A3530 | C405 | 2/1978-3/1978 |
Canadian Pacific | 5785-5789, 5860-5864 | A3531-A3540 | C405 | 6/1978-7/1978 |
Canadian Pacific | 5790-5799, 5900-5914 | A3657-A3681 | C413 | 11/1978-1/1979 |
Canadian Pacific | 5915-5949 | A3808-A3842 | C418 | 10/1979-11/1979 |
British Columbia | 751-762 | A3945-A3956 | C429 | 9/1980 |
Canadian Pacific | 5950-6024 | A3957-A4031 | C430 | 10/1980-3/1981 |
Canadian Pacific | 5560 | A4062 | C430 | 3/1981 |
Canadian Pacific | 6025-6054 | A4288-A4317 | C444 | 12/1982-8/1983 |
Canadian Pacific | 5584, 5693 | A4338-A4339 | C444 | 9/1983 |
Canadian Pacific | 5865-5879, 6055-6069, 5583 | A4429-A4459 | C454 | 10/1984-1/1985 |
British Columbia | 763-767 | A4497-A4501 | C457 | 7/1985 |
SD40-2W
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canadian National | 5241-5261 | A3268-A3288 | C378 | 5/1975-6/1975 |
Canadian National | 5262-5278 | A3289-A3305 | C379 | 7/1975 |
Canadian National | 5279-5293 | A3373-A3387 | C389 | 1/1976 |
Canadian National | 5294-5313 | A3546-A3565 | C407 | 7/1978-10/1978 |
Canadian National | 5314-5323 | A3843-A3852 | C424 | 12/1979 |
Canadian National | 5324-5353 | A3875-A3904 | C426 | 4/1980-5/1980 |
Canadian National | 5354-5363 | A4032-A4041 | C431 | 12/1980 |
SD40-2F
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canadian Pacific | 9000-9024 | A4806-A4830 | C469 | 11/1988-12/1988 |
SD40
Total Built = 10
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México | 8576-8585 | A2603-A2612 | C346 | 2/1972 |
SD40-2
Total Built = 85
Owner | Road Numbers | Serial Numbers | Order Number | Completion Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Burlington Northern | 8074-8089, 7167-7205 | A3753-A3807 | C422 | 7/1979-9/1979 |
Burlington Northern | 7206-7235 | A3915-A3944 | C423 | 5/1980-7/1980 |
The railroad was wary of the HT-C design after witnessing Amtrak's issues with the modified version equipped on the SDP40F. Ultimately, it was proven the truck was not the issue. By the time production ended on the SD40 series, more than 5,700 units had been built.
While the locomotive will one day eventually disappear from the American landscape the model's success and longevity has proven unmatched, even among comparable moden GE designs.
Railroads, even Class 1s, continue to rebuild SD40s for active freight service, a testament to the product EMD engineers conceived more than a half-century ago. As a result, it is safe to say they will still be around for years to come.
Oct 07, 24 04:10 PM
Oct 05, 24 06:25 PM
Oct 05, 24 06:22 PM