EMD Dash 2

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On January 1, 1972, General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) introduced its new Dash 2 line of diesel-electric locomotives. All designations of these new models were those of the former models with "-2" added. They all retained the basic specifications of the earlier models in terms of power output and most other features, but introduced a large number of improvements to the locomotives' internal systems. These were intended to improve availability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. One major improvement was a modularized electrical control cabinet, allowing maintenance by unit replacement and the use of common parts. These concepts were first tested on the DDA40X.

Minor externally visible changes common across the whole line include the following:

• Modified trucks with dampening struts. Four-axle trucks have dampening struts on two diagonally opposite corners. Six-axle trucks have them on the center axle.
• Engine water level sight glass on the rear upper right-hand side of the long hood.
• Battery boxes in front of the cab have bolted down covers, rather than hinged.
• Equipped with both high and low positions for rear classification lights, one set being blanked. (After 1985 all class lights have been removed from these units with a few exceptions)
• Cab roof extends slightly beyond the cab rear.

The Dash 2 line were highly successful. The models offered included the following:

• GP38-2
• GP38-2W
• GP39-2
• GP40-2
• GP40-2L(W)
• GP40-2W
• SD38-2
• SD40-2
• SD40-2W
• SD40T-2
• SD40-2S
• SD45-2
• SD45T-2

In addition, many other earlier locomotives were rebuilt to Dash 2 standards by numerous locomotive rebuilders and railroad shops.