my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Southern Pacific SD40M-2

8574 - 8706

133 units delivered

Data Table of the Model Types and Heritage of the SP SD40M-2's

Modeling the various types SD40M-2's with more photo's

SD40M-2 #8700 Walkaround

SD40M-2 photo directory

In 1993, SP contracted with Morrison Knudsen to supply 133 SD40M-2's, as part of the contract, SP was to supply no carbodies or shells. This sparked a frantic search for 133 six axle locos suitable for rebuilding. The search turned up 30 SD40's, 97 SD45's and 6 SDP45's. Due to another kitbash happening at MK at the time, 10 of the rebuilt SD45's received GP40 rear hoods and radiators. This resulted in 4 distinct versions, although all classified SD40M-2.

As far as we (modelers) are concerned, the SD40's and SDP45's retained their basic carbody shape. The SD45's came in 2 flavors, most also retained their carbody shape, with the exception of the 10 numbers listed below, these and the SDP45's, would represent the most interesting models to kitbash.

If you are interested in modeling any of these, then I cannot recommend highly enough, the Diesel Era article listed below, and of course a photo of the unit you are going to kitbash.

As best as I can figure out, with the References I have available, the units listed below are correct.

As built configuration:

• SD40's - unchanged - 8583, 8624 - 8647, 8658, 8686 - 8689. - (30 units).
• ex SD45's - GP40 rear ends - 8574 - 8582, 8700 - (10 units).
• SDP45's - unchanged - 8691- 8696 - (6 units).
• SD45's - unchanged - whatever numbers aren't listed above. - (87 units).

In service modifications:

• 8670 was originally in an SD45 carbody, but was rebuilt with parts from an SDP40 and a GP40 into an SD40 style.

Although most SP modelers refer to the exCR (EL) units as SDP45's, (probably because SP had an order of SDP45's), I believe EMD called these SD45M's. EL ordered these for run-through freight service, requiring the longer frame for a 4000 gallon fuel tank, they never had a steam generator.

Trivia (from Mike Clark), SP #8690 exBN #6567 was the last SD45 built by EMD.
Builders # 5794-25 built 12/1971, retired by BN 12/1986.

Protoype References:

• Diesel Era Jul/Aug. 1995, Vol.6 No.4 Page 35. - This is actually an article titled MK Rail 1994 Locomotive Activities.
• Diesel Era Jul/Aug. 1996, Vol., No.3.
• SP 1995 Motive Power Annual by Bill Shippen - Four Ways West Publications.
• Southern Pacific Rails - a motive power finale by Peter Limas has a number of images and data concerning SP GP40M-2's.
• Photo's of these units have appeared in various issues of Trains and Railfan & Railroad.

see Modeling the SD40M-2's for model references.