The EMD SD40-2 is a 3,000 hp (2,250 kW) model of C-C diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division between January 1972 and February 1986; 3,957 examples were built, and most larger North American railroads have operated the type. 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. 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 (2,900 kW), as did GE Transportation Systems' U36B/C . 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.
Appearance and spotting features
Just as the SD38 , SD40 , and SD45 shared a common frame, so 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 meters) 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 (0.46 m) longer than the SD38 and SD40, but since the increase in frame length was even greater, the SD38-2 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.
Specifications
| Overall length:
| 68 ft 10 in
| 20.98 m
|
| Between bolster centers:
| 43 ft 6 in
| 13.26 m
|
| Truck wheelbase:
| 13 ft 7 in
| 4.14 m
|
| Width over grabirons:
| 10 ft 3 in
| 3.13 m
|
| Height above rails:
| 15 ft 7 in
| 4.75 m
|
| Wheel diameter:
| 40 in
| 1.02 m
|
| Fuel capacity:
| 3200-4000 US gal
| 12,100-15,100 L
|
| Engine:
| 16-645E3, V16 turbocharged diesel
|
| Power:
| 3,000 hp
| 2,200 kW
|
| Main generator:
| AR10 alternator
|
| Traction motors:
| 6 × D77/78 DC
|
| Standard gearing:
| 62:15
|
| Weight:
| 368,000 lb
| 167,000 kg
|