Modern Locomotive Guide

Locomotive: SD40-2

Manufacturer: General Motors Electromotive Division

Horsepower Rating: 3,000 Hp

Prime Mover: 16 Cylinder 645 E3

Weight: 184 Imperial Tons

Weight Distribution: 6-axle (C-C), 30.6 Tons per axle

Length: 68' 10"

Manufacture Dates: 1972-1986

Number of Units: 3,957

Visual Identification: The most prominent identificatoin feature of this locomotive is the frame, which extends as much as three feet from the end of the hood to the hand rails. Most units were equipped with dynamic brakes, and the dynamic brake blister is located above the prime-mover. Earlier models of this locomotive had bar-and-grill type radiator openings, while later units had the louvered-type grills available on the SD50-60 series.

Another spotting feature of this locomotive are the top-side radiator fans. There are three on rear radiator grid, and two on the dynamic brake blister. This differentiates the locomotive from earlier models which only had a 2-1 arrangement.

Trivials:- The SD40-2 was the best selling locomotive ever produced by GMDD. This unit is a dash 2 upgrade to the SD40, meaning that improvements in electronics and controls were added to the locomotive. Although these units are nearing the 40th anniversary of their production run, hundreds of them still roam the mainline railroads, mostly relegated to local freights and switching duties. A few units still enjoy mainline running status on smaller regional and short-line railroads.

- The SD40-2 was the last locomotive that would be offered with a high short-hood. It was also the last locomotive to be offered with the control stand facing the long hood.

- Burlington Northern railroad (now BNSF) built several wrecked SD40-2's into cabless B units. Although there was nothing wrong with them mechanically, the B-units were not a favorite among railroad crews, who found that a cabless unit sitting idle in the middle of a train during a hard midwest winter snowstorm had a tendency to shut down on it's own.

SD40-2 units featured on this website:

Photos -

3196
Struggle for Halls Hill
FRA'd
8828
8021
Juicy Fruit Express
6216
Hair Diamond
Waiting for Action
Lindale Local
Black and Blue

Video -

NS SD40-2 Shoving Move