A 6-axle, 3,000 horsepower (2,240 kilowatt) locomotive developed by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division for the North American market in the early 1970s, the SD40-2 is one of the company's most successful products. Its primary distinguishing feature and selling point in regards to operations was the introduction of modular electronic components, greatly reducing maintenance times and costs for operators. The platform and elements thereof would also be the basis for the GT26-series locomotives and the British Class 59. Nearly 4,000 units would be produced for North American railroads across a 17-year period, and their exceptional reliability, ease of maintenance, and upgradeability has ensured that nearly all remain in service to this day.
emd sd40-2