An EMD SDP40F is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division beginning in 1973 for Amtrak service. Power was provided by an EMD 645E3 16-cylinder diesel prime mover, which generated 3000 tractive horsepower (2.2 MW).
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Amtrak's first series of locomotives built new for them since inception in 1971, they eventually acquired 150 of the model over a two year period. Though based on a standard freight locomotive design, the SD40-2, and mechanically reliable, several derailments occurred in which the "hollow bolster" truck design came to be under suspicion as leading to a probable cause. This discovery led Amtrak to adopt the EMD F40PH as their standard model, based on the proven design of the EMD GP40 freight locomotive.
As the F40 increased in number, the SDP40F was gradually withdrawn from use with the last seeing regular Amtrak use by 1985. In an unusual move for modern railroading, 18 were traded by Amtrak to the Santa Fe Railroad in 1984 to be reconditioned for use as freight locomotives, in exchange for 43 smaller locomotives for use by Amtrak as yard switchers. A win-win for both railroads. The units Santa Fe acquired had a reliable service record. All had been withdrawn at the end of their useful service life by 1998.
One locomotive of the type has gone to preservation and can be seen here: http://www.f40phr231.org/sdp40f/index.html
References
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Kalmbach Publishing. ISBN 978-0-89024-026-7.
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