The EMD SD45, introduced in 1965, was a groundbreaking locomotive designed to meet the growing demand for higher horsepower in the 1960s. Featuring a 20-cylinder, 3,600 HP prime mover, it pushed the limits of diesel engine technology at a time when 3,000 HP units were the industry standard. The SD45’s distinctive flared radiator design quickly became its trademark, and it was adopted by several major US railroads, with over 1,200 units produced before being replaced by the SD45-2 in 1972.
Despite its impressive specifications, the SD45 faced reliability challenges, particularly with its 20-cylinder prime mover. The most significant issue was crankshaft failures, which led some railroads to derate their units to 3,000 HP or even replace the engine with the 16-cylinder variant used in the SD40-2. The SD40-2, with its proven reliability, ultimately became the preferred choice for many operators.
Though the SD45’s power output was eventually surpassed by later models, its legacy endures. Many SD45 units remain in service today, often rebuilt with updated components, including a reinforced engine block to address the crankshaft issues. Some of these locomotives are still powered by the original 20-cylinder engine, and several have been preserved in museums, cementing the SD45’s place in railroad history despite its early challenges.
Springfield Terminal
| No. | Liveries | Notes | Photographs | Modelling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 675 | Built Aug 1966. Ex NW 1712. Scrapped circa 12/92-1/93 at Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 676 | Built Aug 1966. Ex NW 1719. Scrapped 3/96 at Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 677 | Scrapped circa 12/92-1/93 at Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 678 | Scrapped 7/93 at Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 679 | Sold 7/13/94 to NRE. Sold to SP and sent to MK for the SP SD40M-2 Rebuild Program. Released 11/30/94 as SP 8681. Made it to the UP takeover and was assigned 4707, later 2757. Neither of which apparently happened. | RRPA | ||
| 680 | Sold 9/96 to LTEX. Sold 1/18/97 to MRL SD45-2XR 347. Now retired or scrapped. | RRPA | ||
| 681 | Still active? | RRPA | ||
| 682 | Sold 9/96 to LTEX. Sold 1/18/97 to MRL SD45 382. Rebuilt by CEECO to MRL 346. Retired? | RRPA | ||
| 683 | Scrapped 7-8/94 at Waterville by IMS | RRPA | ||
| 684 | Stored Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 685 | Sold 7/24/94 to NRE. Sold to SP and sent to MK for the SP SD40M-2 Rebuild Program. Released 12/13/94 as SP 8685. Made it to the UP takeover and was assigned 4711, which apparently never happened. Became UP 2761. | RRPA | ||
| 686 | Sold 9/96 to LTEX. Sold 1/18/97 to MRL SD45-2XR 345. | RRPA | ||
| 687 | Scrapped circa 12/92-1/93 at Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 688 | Scrapped 12/97 at Waterville | RRPA | ||
| 689 | Sold 7/17/94 to NRE. Sold to SP and sent to MK for the SP SD40M-2 Rebuild Program. Released 11/30/94 as SP 8679. Made it to the UP takeover and was assigned 4705?, which apparently never happened. Became UP 2755 | RRPA |