Rivet Counter HO Scale EMD SD40-2

History

     In January 1972, Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors would build the first production models of a locomotive design that would prove to be legendary: the SD40-2. The flagship of the “Dash-2” series of 1972, the SD40-2 would build upon the lessons learned from its predecessor, the SD40. While the sixteen-cylinder 645E3 turbocharged prime mover remained the same from its SD40 cousin, the SD40-2 boasted a modular, solid-state electrical system, which featured removable “cards” in place of troublesome relays in its high-voltage cabinet, greatly simplifying electrical troubleshooting and repairs.
     Externally, the biggest change was the use of the new HT-C three-axle truck in place of the Flexi-coil C of the SD40. The new truck promised greater adhesion, and was longer than the Flexi-coil C, necessitating an increase of the length of the SD40-2s frame to an overall length of 68’, 10” over the couplers. This also had the effect of giving the SD40-2 its characteristic long walkway “porches” at each end. Other small external improvements, such as longer battery box compartments, rear overhang on the cab roof, and drip rail over the front cab door, added to the list of external differences between it and the SD40.
     Domestic production of the SD40-2 continued until July 1984 making it one of EMD’s most popular locomotives of all time. Many remain in service today, both with original owners as well as secondhand operators. Within the last five years, Norfolk Southern and CSX have rebuilt hundreds of SD40-2s to extend their operating life. This will ensure this venerable locomotive’s presence on U.S. rails for decades to come.

Product Description

The all-new Rivet Counter HO Scale SD40-2 is the definitive version of this popular locomotive

 Rivet Counter SD40-2 Locomotive Features

    All-new model
    Fully assembled
    Four (4) different road numbers
    Dimensionally accurate truck centers
    Underbody frame rail with separate plumbing and traction motor cables
    Sectioned treadplate detail on the walkways
    Accurate hood door and long hood detail
    Accurately profiled dynamic brake housings
    See-through dynamic brake intakes with resistor grid detail
    Factory-applied wire grab irons, wire lift rings, windshield wipers, snowplows, horns, coupler cut levers, and trainline hoses
    Semi-scale coupler buffer equipped with ScaleTrains.com durable metal semi-scale E Type knuckle couplers
    Directional LED headlights
    LED lighted number boards
    All-wheel drive
    All-wheel electrical pick-up
    Dual flywheel
    Motor with 5-pole skew wound armature.
    Printing and lettering legible even under magnification
    Color matched to Tru-Color Paint colors whenever possible
    Operates on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail
    Packaging safely stores model
    Minimum radius: 18”
    Recommended radius: 22”

Chessie B&O Road Number Specific ScaleTrains

    Phase IIa2 units built in 1977 (B&O 7600-7619)
    Operating tricolor class lights, per prototype
    Chessie "rock plow" on front pilot
    “Mailslot” battery box doors
    88" low short hood with wheel handbrake
    Riveted cab side window plates
    Short Sunshade track
    Late ECAFB
    Early electrical cabinet "zig-zag" seam
    Intermediate inertial intake grilles
    "Tall" stepwells
    "Step-Down" drop steps
    Standard-range dynamic brakes with batten strip
    Detailed HT-C trucks with brake plumbing and traction motor and air duct
    Early center axle snubber
    Highly detailed 4,000 gallon fuel tank with fuel fillers and gauges
    Flush-style EFCO
    Forward engineer’s side sidesill notch
    See through standard fan housings