SDP45 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
Two SDP45s sit in the failed Southern Pacific Santa Fe merger paint scheme on a April 1986 morning in San Antonio, TX. Photo credit Jay Glenewinkel
The SDP45 was a passenger version of the SD45 made for railroads that were looking for a cost-effective, steam generator capable locomotive to haul passenger trains at higher speeds than normal freight locomotives. Utilizing an already in-production locomotive, the SDP45 took the SD45's frame, and extended it to accommodate an extended fuel tank and Vapor Clarkson steam generator (which fed off of a water tank welded to the fuel tank, and siphoned diesel for heat).
The SDP45 was built from May of 1967 to August of 1970. While the Southern Pacific and Great Northern bought 10 and 8 locomotives respectively for passenger service, Erie Lackawanna bought 34 of these locomotives specifically for their larger fuel capacity to increase their times between stops (likely for the larger V20 engines.) While some websites do refer to them as SD45Ms, this has not been confirmed by any documents. EL's SDP45s had a fuel-only tank in place of a split diesel/water one, and had concrete in place of the steam generator.
A former Erie Lackawanna SDP45 shows no sign of any takeover by new it's new owner, Conrail, in a July 1976 view in Akron, Ohio. Photo credit Railpictures.net user "refarkas"
One former Northern Pacific SDP45, which then became Burlington Northern 6599, was part of an experiment by Electro-Motive and the BN to work on a 4 axle truck. This locomotive was later returned back to its normal state, and the 4 axle truck were not used on any locomotives afterwards.
BN 6599 sits in an Auburn, WA yard with an experimental rear truck and EMD test coach in 1984. Photo credit Castle Graphics
A closeup of the experimental truck on the back of the test SDP45. Photo credit Kristopher Lundt and Trained Eye NW
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | EMD 20-645E3 |
| Horsepower | 3600 |
| Truck Type | EMD Flexicoil C |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 6 |
| Minimum Weight | 386000 lbs ⚠ |
| Maximum Weight | 420000 lbs ⚠ |
| Model Base Speed | 71 MPH (1) |
| Top Speed | 71, 83, 95, 109 MPH (1) |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 6000 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1500 Amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1050 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Automatic with selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1 (1) |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 0.72, 0.56, 0.46, 0.39, 0.34, 1, 0.72, 0.56, 0.46 (1) |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR + Sand |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers |
| DB Max Current | 700 Amps |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 700 Amps |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 2 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26-L |
| Compressor CFM | 254 (WBO @ 904 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35 Cubic Feet |
Notes
(1): Only Erie Lackawanna SDP45s were rated for 71 MPH from factory. Others were set up with passenger gearing at the time of their use; SP later converted theirs back to freight gearing of 71 MPH once passenger services ended.
(2): Later-built SDP45s may have had a simplified transition setup, such as Groups 2, 1 / Shunts 1, 1
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess