Design
Like its predecessor in EMD's catalog, the SDP35, the SDP40 is a high-horsepower freight locomotive with equipment for passenger train service.
In 1966 EMD replaced all their locomotives with new ones powered by the new 645 diesel. These included six-axle models SD38, SD40 and SD45, in addition to the SDP40. All had standard components including the frame, cab, generator, trucks, traction motors, and air brakes. The main difference was the power: SD38 = 2,000 hp (1,490 kW) from a non-turbocharged V16, SD40 = 3,000 hp (2,240 kW) from a turbocharged V16, and SD45 = 3,600 hp (2,680 kW) from a turbocharged V20.
The SD40 and SDP40 were so similar that EMD published common operator's and service manuals to cover both.
At the time most passenger locomotives needed to provide steam to the passenger cars for heating, cooking, and sometimes cooling. They needed a higher gear ratio for faster running, the graduated-release feature on the air brakes, and type F tight-lock couplers to keep equipment together in the event of a derailment. To fit a steam generator to the freight-only SD40 the designers had to move the machinery forward about two feet on the frame, add a compartment behind the radiators for the boiler, and divide the fuel tank into fuel and water sections.
Read more about this topic: EMD SDP40
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