EMD SD45
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 A UP SD45 leads other locomotive models on a train in Wyoming in 1970. |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) |
| Model | SD45 |
| Build date | December 1965 – December 1971 |
| Total production | 1,260 |
| AAR wheel arr. | C-C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) |
| Prime mover | EMD 645E3 |
| Cylinders | 20 |
| Power output | 3,600 hp (2.7 MW) |
| Disposition | many still in operation as of 2006 |
An EMD SD45 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between December 1965 and December 1971. Power was provided by an EMD 645E3 20-cylinder engine which generated 3600 horsepower (2.7 MW).This locomotive shared the same common frame with the EMD SD38, EMD SD39, EMD SD40, and EMD SDP40.
1260 examples of this locomotive model were built for American railroads. Following this, the SD45-2 was released as its upgraded replacement. Additional models, like the SD45T-2, featuring the Tunnel Motor design, were released.
The folly of the SD45, however was its gas-guzzling 20-cylinder diesel engine. Reliability wasn't as good as the railroads that owned them hoped, due to the 20 cylinder prime mover's propensity to break its own crankshaft, and even though it created an extra 600 horsepower (450 kW) from the 16-645 in the SD40-2, some railroads felt it just wasn't worth it, even after EMD improved the crankshaft design. Buyers included the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe and others. Many SD45s can still be found, either rebuilt with 16-cylinder 645s, operating for lease companies, and running under Canadian National Railway (under Wisconsin Central markings) and Montana Rail Link. It should be noted though that CN is scrapping the former Wisconsin Central SD45s.
[edit] References
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co.. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.
- Sarberenyi, Robert. EMD SD45 Original Owners. Retrieved on August 27, 2006
- Diesel Spotter's Guide, Volume 2, Kalmbach Publising Co, 1994
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| 6- and 8-axle diesel-electric locomotives built by GM-EMD | |
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| Six-axle road power: | SD7, SD9, SD18, SD24, SD28, SD35, SDP35, SD38, SD38AC, SD38-2, SD39, SDL39, SD40, SD40X, SD40A, SD40-2, SD40-2W, SD40T-2, SD40-2S, SDP40, SD45, SD45X, SD45-2, SD45T-2, SDP45, SD50, SD60, SD70, SD70M, SD70MAC, SD70M-2, SD70ACe, SD75M, SD75I, SD80MAC, SD90MAC |
| Eight-axle road power: | DD35, DD35A, DDA40X, DDM45 |
| See also: | List of GM-EMD locomotives |
