EMD GP40-2

The EMD GP40-2, a notable member of General Motors Electro-Motive Division’s Dash 2 line, first rolled onto the tracks in April 1972 and continued production until December 1986. Powered by an EMD 645E3 16-cylinder engine, the GP40-2 boasted an impressive 3,000 horsepower (2.24 MW).

Production of the GP40-2 was robust, with 861 units manufactured as standard models. Of these, 817 were destined for US railroads, while 44 found their way to Mexican railroads. Additionally, General Motors Diesel (GMD) constructed 279 GP40-2s between 1974 and 1976. Three GP40P-2 variants, designed for passenger service, were also produced in 1974. In total, production of the GP40-2 and its variations reached 1,143 units.

The GP40-2 demonstrated commendable performance characteristics, with EMD rating the locomotive at 55,400 lb continuous tractive effort when equipped with 62:15 gearing, enabling a maximum speed of 65-70 mph. Some units were outfitted with the PF21 module, which reduced output below 23 mph, thereby lowering continuous speed to 11 mph.

Boston & Maine

The Boston & Maine Railroad (B&M) operated a fleet of EMD GP40-2 locomotives, which played a significant role in the railroad’s operations during the latter half of the 20th century. These locomotives were part of B&M’s efforts to modernise its motive power fleet and improve efficiency in freight transportation.

Boston & Maine EMD GP38-2 no. 300, rarely seen without road slug no. 100. The slug was rebuilt from Union Pacific GP9 no. 134 in late 1982, so this view likely predates its arrival. © Jean-Claude Ballieux
Boston & Maine GP40-2 #301 at Ayer, MA, 21 September 1980. © George Turnbull / Deane Motis Collection
Boston & Maine GP40-2 No. 303 leads an eastbound freight at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, circa 1979, with sister units 311 and 314 trailing behind. The train sits on a superelevated curve amid lingering winter snow and industrial surroundings, and with no crew visible, it was likely outlawed while awaiting relief. © Gordon Smith
Boston & Maine GP40-2 No. 303 is carefully positioned on the turntable at North Walpole, New Hampshire, in winter, working over Green Mountain Railroad metals. The snow-covered GMRC yard and lines of boxcars set the scene, while a crew member rides the front step to guide the move. The turntable itself shows its distinctive dual-tractor arrangement, with a steam line mounted along the girder for thawing the ring rail in freezing conditions. © Scott J Whitney
Boston & Maine GP40-2 No. 303 leads train AYBU at Rice’s, Charlemont, Massachusetts, in July 1984, working uphill alongside the Deerfield River toward the Hoosac Tunnel. The train is on a double-track section soon to become a single line, a well-known spot on the west end. © Gordon Smith
Boston & Maine GP40-2 No. 303 leads an eastbound at Snyders, between Mechanicville and Schaghticoke, New York, in September 1984, meeting a westbound led by Delaware & Hudson GP39-2 No. 7404. A classic run-through era scene, with mixed freight and fading B&M blue set against early fall foliage. © Gordon Smith
Boston & Maine GP40-2 No. 303 leads westbound train BASE (Bangor to Selkirk) through Gardner, Massachusetts, on 12 August 1984. The leading pair are Boston & Maine units, followed by two Maine Central locomotives, one in early Guilford paint and the other the so-called “Grey Ghost,” U23B No. 290. A solid consist of boxcars stretches behind, with lineside industry and the familiar Mister Donut sign anchoring the scene firmly in its time. © Skip Estes

The Boston & Maine’s GP40-2 locomotives, constructed by EMD in December 1977, featured a consistent paint scheme throughout their service. Initially adorned in the “Dustin Dip” livery, these locomotives underwent subtle modifications over time. The white sill stripe was eventually removed, leading to a streamlined appearance. As the years progressed, the Boston & Maine locomotives adopted a more austere aesthetic, transitioning to the distinctive Guilford charcoal grey and orange scheme. This standardised paint scheme reflected the evolving identity of the railroad under the Guilford Transportation Industries’ ownership.

No.BuiltLiveryNotesPhotographsModelling
300RRPAAtlas Standard 40 000 244, DCC
40 000 274.
301Dec 1977Guilford Grey from at least Dec 1984.RRPAGuildford Atlas Silver 40 004 706, Gold
40 004 728
302Dec 1977B&M Blue until at least Feb 1986. Guilford Grey from at least Jan 1992.RRPA
303Dec 1977RRPAAtlas Standard 40 000 245, DCC
40 000 275.
304Dec 1977Guildford grey by Feb 1991.RRPAGuildford Atlas Silver 40 004 707, Gold
40 004 729
305RRPA
306Dec 1977RRPA
307RRPA
308RRPA
309RRPA
310RRPA
311Dec 1977RRPA
312RRPAAtlas Standard 40 000 246.
313RRPA
314Guilford grey by Mar 2009.RRPAGuildford Atlas Silver 40 004 708, Gold
40 004 730
315Dec 1977RRPA
316RRPA
317RRPA