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EMD SD40-2
Montana Rail Link XDM SD40-2 diesel locomotive #250 at Everett, Washington, USA, January 1994.
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	GM Electro-Motive Division (EMD) General Motors Diesel (GMD)
Model	SD40-2
Build date	January 1972 – February 1986
Total production	3,957
AAR wheel arr.	C-C
Driver size	40 in (1.02 m) diameter
Wheelbase	43 ft 6 in (13.26 m) between bolsters; 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m) between axles in each truck
Length	68 ft 10 in (20.98 m) over the coupler pulling faces
Width	10 ft 3⅛ in (3.127 m) over the grabirons
Height	15 ft 7⅛ in (4.753 m)
Weight	368,000 lb (167,000 kg)
Fuel capacity	3,200-4,000 US gal (12,100-15,100 L)
Prime mover	EMD 16-645-E3
Aspiration	turbocharged
Cylinders	V16
Power output	3,000 hp (2,240 kW)

The EMD SD40-2 is a 3,000 horsepower (2,240 kW) diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division between January 1972 and February 1986; 3,957 examples were built, and every class 1 railroad in North America has operated this locomotive. Part of the EMD Dash 2 line, the SD40-2 was an upgraded SD40 with modular electronic control systems, HT-C trucks, and many other detail improvements. The SD40-2 is one of the best-selling diesel locomotive models of all time. BNSF, CSXT, Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific operate some of the largest fleets of the type.

The SD40-2 was not the most powerful locomotive type even when introduced; EMD's SD45 and SD45-2 delivered 3,600 hp (2,680 kW), as did GE Transportation Systems' U36B/C and MLW's M636. However, the SD40-2 was significantly more reliable and economical than the higher-powered units, the latter becoming increasingly important with the oil crises of the 1970s.

The British Rail Class 59 was derived from the SD40-2.

Appearance and spotting features

A CSXT SD40-2 waiting in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.

A NS SD40-2 waiting at NS Elkhart Yard for its next job.

Just as the SD38, SD39, SD40, and SD45 shared a common frame, so too did the SD38-2, SD40-2, and SD45-2. It was 3 ft (0.91 m) longer than the previous models, giving an overall locomotive length of 68 ft 10 in (20.98 m) over the coupler pulling faces. The SD38-2 and SD40-2 shared the same basic superstructure, since they both used the same 16-645E3 engine (in naturally aspirated and turbocharged form respectively); the long hood was 18 inches (46 cm) longer than the SD38 and SD40, but since the increase in frame length was even greater, the SD38-2 and SD40-2 were left with even larger front and rear "porches" than the earlier models. These empty areas at front and rear are distinctive spotting features to identify the Dash 2 models of both units. The SD40-2 can be distinguished from the SD38-2 by having three roof-mounted radiator fans instead of two. Another distinguishing feature of the SD40-2 as compared to the SD40 is the SD40-2's trucks (HT-C truck), which have shock absorbers on the outside of middle axle. However, this is not true of the former Conrail SD40-2s. After a rash of derailments involving Amtrak SDP40F units that were equipped with HT-C trucks, Conrail ordered the SD40-2 units and several orders of SD50s with the older Flexicoil trucks.

As of 2008, some SD45 units have been modified by replacing their 20 cylinder engine with the 16 cylinder removed from otherwise scrapped SD40-2 units. This was common practice for units owned by Union Pacific and possibly other owners. In many cases these are identified by the owner as SD40-2, SD40M-2 or some other such means. Confusion is created when what appears to be an SD45 is labeled as an SD40-2.

Also, some older SD40-2 units used in low-power modes such as yard switching or hump service have been de-turbocharged, resulting in the mechanical equivalent of a SD38-2. Units so modified may or may not be re-labeled.

There are several variations of the SD40-2. Such as the SD40T-2's (T for tunnel motor) bought by fallen flags: Southern Pacific, and Denver and Rio Grande Western; now operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. There is the SD40-2W (W for the 4-Window Safety Cab) bought and operated by the Canadian National railway. There were high-nosed versions of the SD40-2 bought by fallen flags: Norfolk & Western, & Southern Railway. These units are now operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway (Resulting merger of N&W and The Southern Railway). There are even some narrow gauge versions around the world called BB40-2's.

Three cabless SD40-2Bs were also rebuilt from standard SD40-2s by the Burlington Northern Railroad in the early 1980s. The units had been in collisions and it was decided that it would be more economical to rebuild them without cabs. Canadian Pacific also owns a few SD40-2Bs. These were created by welding metal plates over the cab windows of many of its ex-Norfolk Southern and some of its original SD40-2s.

Additional specifications

BNSF 7501, one of three SD40-2Bs owned by BNSF Railway.

Original Owners

Rebuilds

A number of SD40-2s have been rebuilt into other models. Some of the most unusual are the narrow gauge BB40-2s for use in Brazil.

Conversely, several other models of EMD locomotive have sometimes been rebuilt to SD40-2 standards, including the SD40, SD45 and SD45-2. Normally this consists of electrical upgrades (-2) and replacing the 20 cylinder prime mover with a 16 cylinder version from a scrapped or damaged unit.

SD22ECO

The SD22ECO is an EMD SD40-2 or similar, repowered with an EMD 8-710-ECO engine. The resulting locomotive is rated at 2,150 horsepower (1,600 kW), and meets EPA Tier II emissions regulations.^[1]

Preservation

The Union Pacific donated 3028 - former Chicago & North Western 6847 - to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois in June 2009^[2]. The locomotive has since been restored to its former CNW livery.

See also

• List of GM-EMD locomotives
• List of GMD Locomotives

References

Foot notes

Bibliography

External links

External images
	RailPictures.Net – EMD SD40-2 photographs at RailPictures.Net.