- EMD GP40-2
Infobox Locomotive
name=EMD GP40-2
powertype=Diesel-electric
caption=A pair of EMD GP40-2 coupled back-to-back for use in remote control switching operations -Tampa, Florida .
aarwheels=B-B
gauge=RailGauge|ussg
builder=General Motors Electro-Motive Division
buildmodel=GP40-2
builddate=1972 -1986
primemover=EMD 645E3
cylindercount=16
poweroutput=3000 hp (2.2 MW)
An EMD GP40-2 is a 4-axle diesellocomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between April 1972 and December 1986. Power was provided by anEMD 645E3 16-cylinder engine which generated 3000horsepower (2.2 MW).Production
Standard GP40-2 production totalled 861 units, with 817 built for U.S. railroads, and 44 for Mexican roads. In addition, three GP40P-2s, passenger versions of the GP40-2, were built for
Southern Pacific in 1974, and 279 GP40-2Ws, equipped with wide-nosed cabs, were built forCanadian National andGO Transit between 1974 and 1976. Production of these GP40-2 variations totalled 1,143 units.Although the GP40-2 was a sales success, it sold fewer units than the earlier GP40 and the contemporary GP38-2 and SD40-2 models. The popularity of high-horsepower 4-axle diesels began to decline with the GP40-2, with 6-axle models gaining in popularity for their superior low-speed lugging performance.
Performance
Like the SD40-2, the GP40-2 has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and a large number of GP40-2s are still in service. Changes such as the modular electronics system improved reliability over the GP40. Their high horsepower-per-axle rating, however, meant that they were better suited to high-speed service than low-speed drag freights, where they were prone to wheelslip. With the oldest GP40-2s now well over 30 years old, many (notably GP40-2Ws) have been retired from Class-1 railroads and sold to regional or
shortline railroads.Spotting Features
The GP40-2 retains the clean lines of other EMD locomotives of the same era. There are three radiator fans at the rear of the hood and a single fan in the middle for the dynamic brakes (if equipped). The radiator intakes are smaller than those of the later
GP50 , and the walkways lack the end "porches" of the 6-axle SD40-2.The GP40-2 can be told from the earlier GP40 by the oval-shaped water-level sight glass at the right rear of the hood; bolted (rather than hinged) battery boxes ahead of the cab; lengthened walkway blower duct; and various minor cosmetic differences in the front air intake and rear hood doors. A number of GP40-2s also came with the new Blomberg M-type trucks, with single-clasp brakes, rubber pads replacing the central leaf springs and a shock strut over each axle.
Phases
A number of minor changes were made to GP40-2s throughout their production run:
* Phase 1: 1972-1976-- chickenwire radiator intakes, 81-inch
short hood , older steps, bolted front battery boxes, bolted cab side panel
* Phase 2a: 1977-early 1979-- corrugated radiator intakes,Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) clean-cab modifications, which necessitated an 88" long low short hood, notched stepwells, new battery box hinges.
* Phase 2b: early 1979-late 1979-- welded cab side panel
* Phase 2c: late 1979-1981-- EMD "Q-fans" and exhaust silencer.
* Phase 3: 1984-1986-- new large blower duct, hinged front battery boxes, straight frame profileOriginal Buyers
Related Sites
* http://www.trainweb.org/emdloco/gp40-2.htm
* http://crcyc.railfan.net/locos/emd/gp402/gp402proto.html
* http://trainiax.net/mescalelocophase.htmReferences
* Foster, Gerald. (1996). "A Field Guide to Trains." houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY. ISBN 0-395-70112-0
*
*Kristopans, Andre GM Serial Number Webpage http://community-1.webtv.net/ajkristopans/DASH2SERIES/
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