SD45 and SD45-2

[Anonymous]

I have been searching, but can't seem to locate any useful info. Does anyone know if their are any differences (outward appearance) between an SD45 and an SD45-2, or where I might look for the info? I have tried Q Station and others, plus various EMD sites with no luck.
Thanks!
Tim

[Anonymous]

The biggest external difference is that the SD45 has the flared radiators, while the SD45-2 does not. The SD45-2 has three radiator fans like the SD40-2, but those fans are more widely spaced than on the SD40-2, and the SD45-2 lacks the long frame ends (or "porches") of the SD40-2.

EDIT: Oh yeah, the SD45-2/SD40-2 frames are some three feet longer than the SD45/SD40 frames.

---jps

[SSW9389]

Try the Fallen Flags site for photos of these units.

[SP4449]

Some references:
Diesel Era (DE) (Withers Publishing, 528 Dunkel School Rd, Halifax, PA 17032)

Railroad Model Craftsman (RMC)(Carstens Publications, Phil Harden Rd, Fredon Township, PO Box 700, Newton, NJ 07860)

Model Railroader (MRR)(Kalmbach Publishing Co., 1027 N. Seventh St, Milwaukee, WI 53233)

DE, Vol 1 Number 4, November/December 1990, pages 5 - 17, has an extensive article on EMD SD45-2's including rosters, ATSF rebuilds and detail photos. Original owners were ATSF, numbers 5625 - 5714; CRR, numbers 3607 - 3624; EL, numbers 3669 - 3681; SCL, numbers 2045 - 2059. Production years 1972 - 1974.

DE, Vol 2 Number 3, May/Jun 1991, pages 8 - 23, has a variant of the EMD SD45-2 which is the SD45T-2 or Tunnel Motor designed for SP. Numbers 9157 - 9404 started arriving February 1972.

DE, Vol 11 Number 2, March/April 2000, pages 11 - 23, has an extensive article on UP SD45's including roster, originally numbered 3600 - 3649. Units arrived between March 1968 and April 1968.

MRR Vol 49 Number 11, November 1982, pages 75 - 77, shows how to kitbash an SD45-2.

RMC Vol 60 Number 11, April 1992, page 54 - 58, shows how to kitbash an SD45T-2.

There are doubtless others but these are close at hand since I am busy 'bashing' models of these unusual locomotives.

[Anonymous]

jschuknecht explained the differences pretty well. Also, the SD45 used the older flexicoil trucks while the SD45-2 used the HT-C trucks

Here are some photos to compare:

SD45: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=76680

SD45-2: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=77576

[Anonymous]

That being the case, I would not be able to convert something else into an SD45-2, corrrect? Do any of you know where I could get a reasonably priced loco or shell? I am aware of Rail Power Products, but they are a little out of my price range right now. This will be my first custom engine, so economy is somewhat important, in case I botch it up.

Also, thanks for all the info above. I was aware of the difference in the trucks, but that was it.
Tim

[Anonymous]

I may be wrong but I think RPP are the only guys who make an SD45-2. You could probably convert an Athearn SD40-2 into an SD45-2 but that would require a lot of modification to the shell. You could get an RPP SD45-2 shell for about $16 or you could go for the shell and chassis combination for about $25.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Guilford350

...You could probably convert an Athearn SD40-2 into an SD45-2 but that would require a lot of modification to the shell...

I agree. I would start with an SD40-2 model, as it would have the correct trucks, truck spacing, frame and frame length, and the models chassis would need little to no modification. The cab section would simply be moved forward, and the long hood kitbashed. In HO, there should be plenty of parts available to do this.

---jps

[Anonymous]

Well, if it's only $16, I will look into it. Do you have a suggestion on where to buy? I have checked the mfg site and they don't list any dealers. Discounttrainsonline and Internettrains don't offer their products. Thanks again for the help.
Tim

[Allen Jenkins]

Her's a pic site t start from http://www.csxphotos.com/ Just type in SD45-2, from your operating road.

[Anonymous]

Well guys, thanks for the help. I just located a shell at HobbyTime. Apparently it's the last one, so it's mine and on it's way. Now I just have to hope everything else goes well and I don't screw it up.
Tim

[Anonymous]

Good luck, Tim![tup]