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- Limited Edition - One Time Run of These
Engine Numbers
- SoundTraxx(R) Tsunami(R) Sound & DCC
Full-function decoder with all control, sound
and lighting effects.
- LED Constant & Directional
Headlights
- RP-25 Metal Wheels
- Proto MAX(TM) Metal Knuckle Couplers
Built: 1965-71; some still in service as of
early 2011. Several preserved and operating museum
units.
Primary assignment: Road freight service.
Variations: High short hood specified by SOU and
N&W.
By 1964, six-axle diesels were rapidly evolving
from low speed luggers to fast freight engines. EMD
continuously updated its Special Duty (SD) series
with new models, and celebrated New Years Day 1966
by unveiling six locos powered by variations of its
new 645 prime mover. At the top was the SD45, with
an enormous 20-cylinder prime mover cranking out
3600 horsepower. Timing couldn't have been better
as American railroads experienced a surge in
traffic and were ready to modernize their fleets.
The SD45 proved popular for all types of
assignments, and 1,260 were built through late
1971, when it was replaced by the SD45-2.
Retirements began in earnest in the 1980s, but many
were rebuilt and eventually sold to regional
railroads. As of 2011, a few are still in use, and
several are preserved in museums.
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