EMD SD40T-2

Infobox Locomotive
name=EMD SD40T-2
powertype=Diesel-electric
gauge=RailGauge|ussg


caption=SP 8238, eastbound at Caliente, California, in the late 1980s
aarwheels=C-C
builder=General Motors Electro-Motive Division
cylindercount=16
primemover=EMD 645E3
poweroutput= convert|3000|hp|abbr=on|lk=in|sigfig=3
fuelc
convert|4400|usgal|l|abbr=on|sigfig=3
length= convert|70|ft|8|in|abbr=on
totalproduction=312
builddate=April 1974 – July 1980
nicknames="tunnel motors"
railroad=Southern Pacific (and Cotton Belt), Rio Grande, Union Pacific
disposition=most still in service as of 2005
locale=western United States
An EMD SD40T-2 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. Power is provided by a 16-cylinder EMD 645E3 diesel engine capable of producing convert|3000|hp|abbr=off|lk=in|sigfig=3. The Southern Pacific's locomotive features a convert|4400|usgal|l|abbr=off|adj=on|sigfig=3 fuel tank and is convert|70|ft|8|in long. The Rio Grande's locomotive features a smaller convert|4000|usgal|l|abbr=off|adj=on|sigfig=3 fuel tank. A total of 312 examples of this locomotive were built for North American railroads between April 1974 and July 1980. This locomotive, along with the SD45T-2, are popularly called tunnel motors, but are officially referred to as SD-40-2s with "cooling system modification" (and the EMD manuals so state), because they were specifically designed to be more effective when operating in tunnels. The major differences between this locomotive and its non-tunnel motor cousin, the SD40-2, are the radiator intakes and radiator fan grills located at the rear of the locomotive. The radiator air intakes in this model were located along the deck to allow more fresh, cooler air to enter and less hot exhaust fumes lingering around the tunnels ceiling.

This locomotive model was purchased by the Southern Pacific Railroad, its subsidiary Cotton Belt, and the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. At one point Southern Pacific and then later Union Pacific Railroad owned every SD40T-2. As of 2005 most of these units are in service on the Union Pacific or various leasing companies. Only one with SP reporting marks and one with DRGW reporting marks are left.

Original purchasers

Other owners