Southern Pacific experienced problems with locomotives overheating in tunnels. This brought about a major design change in the new SP SD45-2s.

The traditional EMD sidemounted radiators and roof fans were replaced with roof-mounted radiators, internal fans and a large opening at the bottom of the rear of the long hood. This allowed for cooler air to be pulled upward through the radiators.

The new locomotive was nicknamed “Tunnel Motor,” both for the problem it addressed and the opening in the long hood. While SP initially bought the SD45T-2, Rio Grande chose the 3000-horsepower SD40T-2. SP also purchased a large numbers of SD40T-2s.

Today, both SP & D&RGW are gone, absorbed by Union Pacific. But the Tunnel Motors remain, many serving on Class II roads and short lines across North America. And just like the SD40-2's these will continue to work the rails for many years to come. 

This release includes multiple road numbers in four schemes.

Features:

• Accurate nose length per road name and road number
• Nose ratchet or wheel handbrake
• See-through radiator intake grilles
• See-though exhaust stack
• Snowplow and/or MU catch boxes
• MU hoses
• Coupler cut bars
• Dynamic or non-dynamic brake
• Minimum radius: 18”
• Recommended radius: 22”
• DCC Ready

Reservations Due By: December 6, 2012

Expected Release: July 2013

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JMP