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 (1,435 mm) |
| Prime mover | EMD 645E3 |
| Cylinders | 20 |
| Power output | 3,600 hp (2,680 kW) |
| Disposition | Some still in service, but becoming very rare as of early 2007 |
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 3,600 horsepower (2,680 kW). 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 SD45, however, had several teething problems. 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. (Contrary to what many believe, the SD45 was not a "gas guzzler." It produced more power per unit of fuel than its 3,000 hp (2,240 kW) counterpart, the SD40.) Many SD45s can still be found, either rebuilt with 16-cylinder 645s, operating for lease companies, and running under Montana Rail Link. Wisconsin Central used to roster a large fleet of SD45s but CN has recently retired all of their fleet, with mass scrappings. Montana Rail Link is now also starting to sell their engines for scrap.
[edit] Known preserved locomotives
Great Northern Railway 400/Burlington Northern 6430. The first production SD45. Named Hustle Muscle. Owned by the Great Northern Railway Historical Society. Operable.
Erie Lackawanna 3607/Conrail 3607. St Louis Museum of Transportation. Restored to EL colors, static display.
Norfolk & Western 1776. High hood. Virginia Museum of Transportation. Static display.
Southern Pacific 8800/7457. Utah State RR Museum. Static display.
Wisconsin Central 7525. Illinois Railway Museum operable. One of two WC SD45 units to be painted in an Operation Lifesaver scheme
Wisconsin Central 7495. Lake Superior Railroad Museum operable. ex Northern Pacific. plans call for a repaint to its former NP colors.
[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 Publishing Co, 1994
http://www.thedieselshop.us/PRSVDemdOthers.HTML
- White, Dr. W.J. How Diesel Electric Locomotives Operate. Peat. 1998.
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