I figure this is an SD45 but could not confirm this on any Helm rosters. I've not been spotting very long so I would like to defer to the experts. Thanks in advance. ---Dan
SD40 Looks like an SD40 with extensive past history. Helm Motive Power Helm Leasing Roster Somehow, it looks longer than an SD40 or SD40-2.
Did we ever decide? I think I agree with BnOEngrRick now instead of my posts above. Did we ever decide for sure what this is? Thanks.
Thanks for the responses. The thing that threw me was the lack of a "front porch" ala SD40. I have read about the practice of downgrading(for lack of a better word) of the engines from 12 cylinder to 16. Is that what makes it an SD40? Or are there other changes? ---Dan
The frame is definitely longer than an SD40/45... It is as long as an SD40-2/45-2 (which is about 3 feet longer). The reason is the HTC trucks under that engine... The HTC trucks have a traction motor yoke on the fuel tank side that makes the HTC longer than the older Flexicoil trucks on the SD40, which means it needs a longer frame than the SD40.
In the case of former SD45/45-2s, the 20 cylinder prime mover is changed to a 16 cylinder, and the electrical system is upgraded (on the straight 45s) to -2 standards. Hence the leasing companies' references to SD40-2, even though it still looks like an SD45.
Looks like an SD45-2 bodied unit. (CSX had some, so I have some old photos of them, even Clinchfield units). Most leasers had their 20 cylinder units replaced with 3000 hp 16 cylinder units, making them "sd40-2 units. Harold
So What You're Tellin Me... So, then, what you're telling me is that visually, a normal, regular SD45-2 does not have flared radiators? (Like a normal, regular SD45.) If so, that does make it hard to recognise. It's just a big, long SD40 type. Looks like the radiator fans are spaced out a little, too.
Flash Your right. A SD45-2 does not have flared radiators like the SD45. SD45's are commonly refered to as "flare 45's". The unit pictured looks like a SD45-2. Thom
These are related. The SD45 has flared radiators to get more area for cooling. The Dash 2s have longer frames. On the SD45-2, they took advantage of this and stretched the carbody, allowing more radiator area without the flares and eliminating the "porches" of the SD40-2.
Flash, the widely spaced radiator fans are the most obvious SD45-2 spotting feature I can find. No other SD of that style seems to have them. Another way of looking at it, they are the only standard SD that's 'big' like an SD50 or SD60, but still retains has a pre-SD50 dynamic brake bulge & fans.
I wanted to say thanks for discussing these details because I'm learning a lot. The insight from the RR employees and the seasoned railfans is invaluable.
