ScaleTrains SXT32825 SD40-2 N de M Nacionales de Mexico #13026 ESU LokSound DCC & Sound Rivet Counter HO Scale

ScaleTrains SXT32825 SD40-2 N de M Nacionales de Mexico #13026 ESU LokSound DCC & Sound Rivet Counter HO Scale. Picture may show a different road number.

The definitive model of one of EMD’s best-selling locomotives, the ScaleTrains Rivet Counter SD40-2 combines performance with unparalleled road-specific detailing.

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.

Road Number Specific ScaleTrains

• Era: 1987 to 1998
• Series 13009-13030, built 1972, rebuilt 1987 by Morris Knudsen, Phase 1a1
• Road number 13009, ex-Milwaukee Road 3019/149
  • “Tarjeteros” on sloped section of cab roof
• Road number 13020, ex-Milwaukee Road 3038/1168; 13021 ex-Milwaukee Road 3023/153; 13026 ex-Milwaukee Road 3027/142Operating LED tricolor front and rear flush-mounted class lights with raised gasket**
  • No “Tarjeteros” on sloped section of cab roof
• "Tall" stepwells with see-through steps
• Front and rear early small deck extension
• Front and rear retrofitted “fixed” drop steps
• Rectangle walkway lights, mounted between sandbox clean out doors (non-operating)
• 81” low short hood with ratchet handbrake and angled chain guard
• Bolted battery box doors with narrow louvers
• Early cab sub-base doors with early hinges
• Standard EMD headlight in number board housing
• Dash two Cab with bolted side window panels
• No sunshades or sunshade tracks
• Tall clear wind wings with mirror at bottom mounted fore of cab side window, both sides of cab
• Leslie RS-3-LR Horn mounted on number board housing
• “Whip” antenna mounted to center of cab roof
• Early electrical cabinet "zig-zag" seam, further from rear of cab
• Early stand-off ECAFB
• Early inertial air intake grilles without drip rails
• Extended-range dynamic brakes with batten strip
• “Chicken-wire” radiator intake grilles
• See-through standard 48” radiator fan housings with fan blades visible inside
• Angled radiator fan grab iron
• Straight uncoupling levers with loop handles front and rear and two inner and two outer brackets
• Handrail set with inward facing end rail mounting brackets and chain
• 3-hose MU hose clusters with silver gladhands
• Deck mounted MU receptacle
• Notched pilot faces with reinforced lifting holes
• Tall jacking pads with holes (early)
• Forward engineer’s side sidesill notch
• Sill-mount EFCO
• Reward facing handbrake chain mount for HTC trucks
• Side-mounted steel bell behind the cab on the fireman’s side
• Salem air filter (accordion style)
• 4,000-gallon fuel tank with fuel fillers, vertical gauges, round gauges in tank sides and vertical breather pipe
• Detailed HT-C trucks with Hyatt bearing caps, late center axle snubbers, sanding lines and brackets, and D-77 traction motor and air duct details
• Speed recorder mounted to first axle left front