Hello folks! I was driving around in my home state, Oregon. Several time I've met this gal: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=968478 . The first couple time, I paid no attention to it because I thought it was a typical SD40-2 engine (ignoring the rear flair radiator, how silly of me...). But the more I see it, the more I grow attached to it. It seem to follow me everywhere I go (from Wilsonville to Hillsboro). I get excited when I see her again. She convinced me to build her in Lego and possibly future N scale project. After several thinking and more convincing, I turn on the computer and do some more research on this specific engine. Granted, its a ex KCS and CNW. Now this is where I am confused. It is no SD40-2 since SD40-2 model has no flair on the rear side radiators/vents. This 3051 has a flair which screams SD45 model, obviously. Her previous time after KCS was in CNW service and they had her reported as SD45 which is correct... Therefore, why did PNWR had her reported as SD40-3? SD40-3 are known for radical changes to old SD40-2, especially the cabin, updated AC and heating system, control system and many more. So my question is, guys... Anybody know the history on this locomotive? Was it just a simple SD45 shell on top of SD40-3? Or rather, to be specific, SD45 retrofitted as SD40-3? What is the deal with this? The best knowledge from experience and what the internet been saying is that CSX are known for having fleet of SD40-3 locomotives. I have a theory after looking at both services that she was part in, KCS and CNW. She was actually built as SD40 #612 and the last known picture that I can find of her online is dated back to 1974. It has no flair side radiator. The last picture of her was in 1989 and then there was a gap until 2001, which she was already converted into SD40-3. I could not find where CNW got involve but chances are CNW and KCS traded locomotives or bought locomotives from each other. KCS 612 went on for a ride and then CNW leased her to PNWR. The biggest reason for retrofitting SD40 into latest SD40-3 does make sense here. Chances are, somebody used SD45 shell on SD40... But one thing went wrong here. CNW reported her as SD45 in this part or so photographer said. (heres the link: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=520618&nseq=5) WARNING: It is a theory after all. I could be wrong, but there are no statement that proves right or wrong. I base my theory on pictures. Mmm! I would like to make sure I call this model the right name... SD45? or SD40-3? or rather... SD45-3?!?
Aljo, What we have here is an locomotive that started life as CNW SD45 #943. It was rebuilt as a SD40-3, some call it a SD40M-2, by VMV in 1995. All the rebuilding took place internally, so from the exterior she still looks like an SD45. The main changes were in the electrical, all new dash-3 components, plus the replacement of the 20 cylinder engine with a 16 cylinder. Dan
Well done! Thank you for your contribution! This does put this at ease. I wonder where does KCS ever get involved then? Misinformation?
She's ex-KCS. A quick search couldn't get me the entire history of the unit though. I'll try a little harder. The basic explanation is right though. She's an SD45 rebuilt into an SD40-2 specs. I didn't know she was turned into a -3. That would not have happened in 95 most likely.
